A RECORD number of people took part in this year's Big Sleep in support of Salisbury-based charity Alabare.

More than 220 participants slept out at Salisbury Cathedral on Friday.

This was the 13th time the homeless charity has hosted the event which raises vital funds for its work with the homeless and vulnerable within the local community.

Alabare’s fundraising and development manager Rebecca Mullen said: “This was the 13th time we have held the Big Sleep and the event is getting more and more popular every year. We are so grateful for the amazing support we receive as we take a stand against homelessness.”

This year, once again dogs were able to accompany their owners for the night.

The evening saw support from a number of local schools including Godolphin, Stonehenge and St Joseph’s, who braved the event despite the wet and windy weather conditions as well as Salisbury MP John Glen.

The charity says it was a "fantastic" evening, which "demonstrated Salisbury’s community spirit" with a number of the city’s businesses also showing their support. Boston Tea Party, Greggs and Nicholas and Harris provided donations of food to the participants.

The Salisbury branch of Mountain Warehouse also showed their support by providing discount on goods for those taking part. Store manager Mike Storrar took part in the sleep out.

MP John Glen said: “Alabare is a fantastic local charity that does a massive amount of good work in supporting the homeless in Salisbury.

"I think it’s really important that one day a year that we focus on the challenge to look after those that find themselves in the difficult circumstances on the street in Salisbury so I’m glad to be here supporting the BIG Sleep.”