A GROUP of remarkable retirees at an independent living retirement development in Shaftesbury stayed up all night to raise £545 for youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint.

Homefarris House residents and their Development Manager Katie Garland took part in a 12 hour marathon from 8pm to 8am in two-hour slots from Friday, May 28.

Residents that got involved included 93-year-old Veronica Sykes who did the 8pm to 10pm slot.

Fellow resident, Don Reynolds, 84, who did the 2am to 4am, said: "I’ve seen some very sad sights of people sleeping rough at St Pancras and Kings Cross, which was a real eye opener. I am delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause.

"We’re a lively community and we kept each other’s spirits high to get through the night, alongside a few games of scrabble."

FirstPort Development Manager at Homefarris House, Katie Garland said: "I’m so proud of my residents who have really stepped up to support FirstPort and its charity partner, Centrepoint, raising a fantastic £545.

"We kept residents awake with games, refreshments, and chatter throughout the night. It was really good fun."