MORE than 100 people will give up their homes for a night on the street to raise funds for a Wirral charity helping the homeless and needy later this week.

Organised by Charles Thompson's Mission in Birkenhead, the sleep out takes place on Friday.

People will lay in their sleeping bags in the carpark of its premises in Hemingford Street in exchange for donations to the charity.

The mission was opened in 1892 by Charles Thompson. He died in 1903, but his goals lived on through daughter Annie who took over and was the charity's Lady Superintendent for 60 years.

She was awarded the MBE in 1953 for services to the people of Birkenhead.

The mission provides food, furniture, clothes, healthcare, counselling services and even toys for the borough's poorest children.

It is now run by Bernie Frost, who first got involved 13 years ago as a volunteer and has been manager for five years.

Bernie told the Globe: "On Friday More than 100 people will be swapping their bed for a sleeping bag for one night to help us raise awareness about homelessness and to raise funds to help us continue our work helping people in our community.

“This is nothing like sleeping rough but it gives people an insight into homelessness and the issues faced.

“At Thompson's Mission we work hard to make sure no one needs to sleep rough but there are still people who need our help.

“Last year, our community helped us to raise over £12,000! We are hoping to beat that amount this year.

“On the night, we will also be opening our doors to the homeless so they can sleep inside whilst we are outside.

“If people would like to donate to support us, we have a just giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thompsonsmissionsleepout

“All donations are massively appreciated and make a huge difference.”