Volunteers are needed to sleep in the streets for one night in December.

Each year the Threshold Housing Link, which provides accommodation for homeless people, organises Sleepout.

Last year, 38 people took part in the event, sleeping in the streets of Swindon for one night to raise almost £6,000 to help the homeless.

The event has seen a gradual increase in the numbers of people taking part, but THL has also seen an increase in the number of homeless people it has to turn away who are looking for a place to sleep.

During the last year, the hostel, in Queen Street, had to turn away a total of 443 people.

Hostel and resources manager Phil Smith, said: "THL recognises the fact that there is a need to provide more emergency beds and the organisation is working with other agencies to make sleeping rough in Swindon unnecessary.

"This is why Sleepout is more important this year than any previous year for both our clients and the organisation itself.

"This year we are asking each church and interested community organisation and business to invite at least one member to represent their organisation to emphasise the message that homelessness in a boom town such as Swindon cannot be accepted and must be tackled positively, and that together we can make a difference."

Anyone who wants to take part in the event and raise money and the profile of the problem of homelessness, is warned that it is not a pleasant experience.

This year's Sleepout is being held on December 8. For more information contact THL on Second Floor Wade House, 37-39 Queen Street, Swindon, SN1 1RN, ring Swindon 524661 or visit the website onwww.thl.org.uk.