WATCH: Teenagers sleep rough on Shropshire street for charity fundraiser

Fourteen teenagers from Oldbury Wells School camped out on Bridgnorth High Street to raise awareness of homelessness in the Bridgnorth and Telford areas

The sleep out, which took place under the town hall, started at 7pm and finished at 7am the next day.

WATCH: Teens explain reasons for fundraiser

The 12-hour challenge was organised with the help of the National Citizen Service.

So far, group have raised a total of £866, which will be split equally and donated to two local charities, Stay Telford and Telford Mind to help fund the vital work they do.

Telford Mind offers support to those suffering with mental health issues, while Telford Stay aims to help young people living on the streets.

Group team leader Nikki Simkiss said: “By the morning, the team said they couldn’t imagine sleeping like this every single day, and they felt very lucky to have the life that they had.

“The group said they got about an hour’s sleep altogether. They got up and carried on the next morning, going straight to the charities to give them the cheques for the money they’d raised.”

The team of 16-year-olds received some much-needed support from local businesses, and would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped or donated so far.

Nikki added: “We’ve received lots of support from local businesses in Bridgnorth and the surrounding area, including Sainsbury’s who supplied food, Wilkinson’s who donated blankets and torches and WHSmith who provided craft materials to make the signs.

“Everything that wasn’t used on the night, such as food as well as blankets and torches, will now be re-donated to the chosen charities.

“After doing some research the group decided to support two charities, as they found there was a distinct link between homelessness and mental health.”

Recent reports show that 80 per cent of homeless people in England suffer with mental health issues.

To donate visit the group’s gofundme page here.