Workers at FatFace in Kirkby Lonsdale raised money for a national homeless charity by sleeping outside for a night.

The team have so far raised over £1,500 for Shelter after sleeping rough on Thursday and Friday last week.

The aim going forward now is to reach the £2,000 mark by Christmas, which is seen as one of the trickiest periods of the year for homeless people.

Clare Wilson, one of the employees who took part in the fundraiser, said: "The idea came about as every winter Fat Face sell a range of items with a percentage of the profits being donated to Shelter.

"This led to a conversation about what else could we do as a store to raise some more money."

The Westmorland Gazette: A collection bucket and raffle are still going in storeA collection bucket and raffle are still going in store (Image: Clare Wilson)

It was the first time that staff had completed such an event and they were able to power through thanks to the help of the local community.

"We slept out from 7pm to 7am and it was cold and uncomfortable but knowing people have to do this every night made it worth our while," Sally Gough, another participant, explained. 

"We had some friendly locals bringing us hot drinks and snacks to help keep us going."

Clara and Sally were joined by team members Amanda, Ali and Eliza for the overnight fundraiser.

They had previously set a target of £800, which has been smashed thanks to the help of generous donations.

Beside their GoFundMe page, a raffle is taking place in store and collection tins have been placed in the shop to keep the money coming in.

Talking before the fundraiser, manager Amanda Blakeley said: "With the housing prices at the moment and the cost of living crisis, I think that Shelter is a very worthy cause.

"Especially this time of the year when it is getting colder, and it just makes us realise the situation people are living in."

You can still help the team at FatFace by donating to their GoFundMe page, which can be found here.