MORE than £22,000 has been raised for YMCA Bournemouth during a record-breaking 'rough sleeping' event.

The Big Sleep Easy took place at Bournemouth Sports Club, Chapel Gate, at the weekend - and around 100 directors and staff from 23 local businesses took part.

Joined by individual fundraisers, the group - which was also visited by the mayors of Bournemouth and Christchurch - constructed shelters out of cardboard boxes and braved plunging overnight temperatures.

Organised to raise funds and highlight the plight of homelessness, the sleep out set a new record for a YMCA Bournemouth fundraiser.

Lester Aldridge solicitors managing partner, Matthew Barrow, was one of a team of 17 who raised more than £6,000.

He said: "We were looking at community engagement because it is something we think we should do as a business.

"YMCA Bournemouth is an integral part of our community and by taking part in this event we are helping to change the local social landscape.

"Homelessness is something that can happen to anyone – a single life event and anyone could be there."

Meanwhile, Christchurch Mayor Cllr Lesley Dedman, who judged the 'most creative shelter' competition, said: "This is an issue close to my heart.

"My own family, many years ago, went through hard times and nearly lost our house.

"I know how easy it is to find yourself slipping down the road of being unable to cope.

"This event is fantastic, I've met so many people happy to experience an uncomfortable night to help others."

Local organisations taking part included IT Support Business; solicitors Lester Aldridge; chartered accountants PKF Francis Clark; Battens Solicitors; Lewis Investment; Altogether Care; Grapevine telecommunications; Hemsley Financial Services; LMA Architects; Globacare insurance; Make Studio; Calvary Pentecostal Church; RIAS; Green Light Electrical Installations Ltd; WAY Investment Services and Marah Recruitment.

Bournemouth Mayor Cllr Derek Borthwick said: "People have turned out to make themselves aware of what is happening outside their front door.

"We have to be thankful for those who are devoted to looking after those who really are in need."