TWO teenagers are appealing for people to join them in spending a night sleeping on the streets to highlight youth homelessness.

Josh Gibson, 15, and Emily Thomas, 13, from Kirkbymoorside, are taking part in the annual SASH Sleepout in the town on Saturday, from 10pm, as a way of helping to make a difference to homeless young people in the area.

The pair, who are both pupils at Ryedale School, have been braving the elements in the churchyard and on the streets of Kirkbymoorside since 2008.

In the past five years, volunteers, residents and local traders have raised £15,000 for the charity SASH.

The sleepout will see supporters of all ages sleeping overnight in All Saints churchyard and in the town centre, with only sleeping bags, cardboard and plastic for protection. It is open to anyone who is fit and healthy and wants to help, but under-17s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Anyone wishing to take part should sign up online at sashuk.org.uk, phone 01904 652043 or email sarah.ware@sash-uk.org.uk

• Gazette & Herald reporter Hannah Bryan will be joining the sleepout on Saturday. “I decided to sign up so that instead of just writing about it, I could put myself in their shoes and experience what it’s like to sleep rough, even for just one night. I’m hoping this will increase awareness of the problem and encourage people to support SASH.”