More than 150 people swapped their beds for the floor of Boxpark Croydon on Sunday night, raising £55,000 for a homelessness charity.

Individuals from businesses and the community joined together for Croydon's first ever 'sleep out', organised by Evolve, which provides housing to over 2,000 people each year and is the leading provider of accommodation in the borough.

Croydon’s Sarah Jones MP, and Steve Reed MP, were joined by Croydon Council Deputy Leader Councillor Alison Butler, raising funds to help homeless people in Evolve’s supported accommodation hostels gain the skills required to regain their independence.

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More than 150 people attended

Jeremy Gray, Chief Executive at Evolve said: “We are overwhelmed by the fantastic support we’ve received by so many people from all sections of the community – kind individuals who so generously gave their time; local businesses and contractors; politicians; Council officers; partner agencies and many others.

"As our first ever large-scale event, we are delighted with its success, and so grateful to our sponsors for helping make it happen.

"The money raised means we can now continue the additional services to our hostel residents, such as counselling and work & learning. These are crucial in our work to help homeless people achieve independence and break the cycle of homelessness.

"Thank you all so much for your support.”

The sleep out, sponsored by Croydon BID and sub-sponsored by Tempus Facilities Management and Caridon Property, was also attended by 2014 The Apprentice runner up Bianca Miller-Cole and her husband Byron, who raised £2,400 between them.

For more information and to register your interest for next year’s event visit: www.evolvehousing.org.uk