HARDY souls are being invited to sleep under the stars on Windermere's shore to help keep older people warm this winter.

The charity Cumbria Community Foundation is holding The Big Sleep on Saturday, January 28 to raise money for its Winter Warmth Appeal.

The fundraising drive hopes to protect older people by giving them financial support to keep their homes warm as temperatures fall.

In winter 2014/15 some 480 people across Cumbria died as a direct result of cold weather, says the charity - the highest number of so-called excess winter deaths for many years.

Andy Beeforth, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said:

"The Big Sleep is being held on the shore of Windermere for the first and probably the only time. The refurbishment of the Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel has given us a unique opportunity to sleep beside the lake rather than on the hill behind the hotel.

"We’re grateful to the Berry family for the opportunity. On a serious note, I’m deeply saddened to see the most recent excess winter death figures rise to 460. That’s 460 older people in our county who have succumbed to the effects of the cold weather.

"All the money raised from The Big Sleep goes straight to older people who are trying to keep themselves warm in the winter. If you don't fancy sleeping out and feeling just how cold minus-six can be, then please sponsor one of our big sleepers; every penny helps.”

Since its launch, The Big Sleep has raised £70,000 of the £500,000 raised in total by the Winter Warmth Appeal.

Hundreds of tent pitches will be available for fundraisers, and the cost is £30 for adults and £5 for children, including daytime and evening activities, a hot drink, evening meal and breakfast. If you prefer, you can take part in The Big Sleep at a location of your choice for £20. Last February hundreds of 'Big Sleepers' raised £21,000 in one night.

If you would simply like to make a donation, phone 01900-825760 or visit

www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund