Barrow AFC have teamed up with local councillors to host a 'Sleep on the Stands' event to raise awareness about homelessness.

Councillors Paul Griffiths and Beverly Morgan have helped form 'Forty Winks 4 Furness', which will see people sleep in the SO Legal stadium on Saturday, December 9.

Funds will be raised for the Furness Homeless Support Group, a local charity who help rough sleepers and homeless people from the Furness area get back into permanent accommodation.

Councillor Griffiths said: "This doesn’t replicate what it’s like to be homeless but sleeping out for one night will give an idea of just how it feels to sleep rough in the middle of winter.

"It may be cold but we will be well taken care of and go home to our beds the following day. Many don’t have that luxury.”

The Mail: The FHSG charity shop which money is being raised forThe FHSG charity shop which money is being raised for (Image: Paul Griffiths)

MP Simon Fell and mayors from Barrow, Dalton and Ulverston have all agreed to take part, with 100 spaces available.

Barrow Mayor Chris Altree said: "When Paul and Beverly first approached me, I instantly knew as a lifelong Barrow AFC fan I wanted to be involved and have been a part of the organising group since day one.

“I’ve spent years watching Barrow football, never imagining that one day I’d be sleeping on the stands."

The Mail: The Mayor of Barrow Chris Altree and Club Captain Niall Canavan opened the new stands ahead of Barrow AFC's first game of the seasonThe Mayor of Barrow Chris Altree and Club Captain Niall Canavan opened the new stands ahead of Barrow AFC's first game of the season (Image: Barrow AFC)

The evening will commence at 8pm and the Furness Music Centre, orchestra and choir members will play and sing carols to welcome the participants.

This will be followed by acoustic singers, free food and hot drinks, until everyone settles down at around 11pm.

The Mail: A promotional image for the campaignA promotional image for the campaign (Image: Paul Griffiths)

The morning after breakfast buns and drinks will be served before departing at 7am.

"Many assume homelessness is a problem only associated with cities but it’s actually a nationwide concern, with a report out recently that rough sleeping is now at its highest levels since records began," Mrs Morgan explained.

All donations will go to the FHSG thanks to sponsors Westmorland & Furness Council, Tudor Car Services Ltd, and Unite the Union Kimberly Clark branch.

A promotional music track from local student Kelly Griffiths will also raise money alongside the event.