VOLUNTEERS from across Trafford took part in a sleepout in support of a homeless centre in Manchester.

The Booth Centre's sleepout, in the grounds of Manchester Cathedral attracted more than 200 participants, keen to raise funds for homeless people across Greater Manchester,

The centre offers activities, advice and support for the growing number of homeless people in Manchester.

Currently, almost 700 people a month visit the centre to confront issues including housing, alcohol or drug addiction and/or severe mental and physical health problems.

The centre also offers weekly opera workshops, which help to improve self-esteem and confidence by providing a fun activity for people going through a particularly difficult time in their lives.

People taking part in the Sleepout heard just how their support was helping to change lives, as two people from the centre who have previously slept rough in the city described their harrowing experiences.

Before bedding down for the night the participants were given a special performance from the centre’s Streetwise Opera group.

It is hoped the event will raise more than £40,000 for the centre to help it to continue to offer support, advice and activities for some of the most vulnerable in society.

Donations can still be made at: www.localgiving.com/boothcentre.To find out more about the work of the Booth Centre and/or how to become involved go to: www.boothcentre.org.uk.