AROUND 30 cub scouts are set to take part in a sleepover in support of a scheme to help the homeless.

The 5th Tyldesley Cubs will be spending the night at Lilford District Headquarters on Shuttle Street from 6pm tomorrow, Saturday, until 10am the following morning, Sunday.

The group will make their own cardboard shelters to sleep in and will only be allowed to have pillows, sleeping bags and roll mats to replicate the conditions of a rough sleeper.

They are also not allowed to bring a change of clothes or any toiletries as well.

Two years ago the group raised £787 for Atherton and Leigh Shelter for Hope by doing the same challenge.

The shelter is now supported by Wigan Council investment. Its manager Warren Done, who also runs Atherton and Leigh Foodbank will be visiting the cubs on the night to support them.

The 5th Tyldesley Cubs scout leader David Simpson said: "The sleepover was so popular two years ago that we decided to do it again.

"Warren will be coming to speak to us about the food bank and the shelter.

"The children are aware of homelessness being around us but this event will show them why rough sleepers are in that position and what we can do to help."

Half of the funds raised from sponsorship money for the sleepout will go the Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham's A Bed Every Night scheme.

The scheme, which was launched on November 1 and is set to run until March 31, has led to more rough sleepers in the region being offered overnight accommodation during the winter months.  

The rest of the sponsorship funds will be used to pay for camping equipment for the cub scouts.

Members of the Manchester Street Angels have also been invited to visit the cub scouts.

At Christmas, the cub scouts packed 22 shoeboxes which were given to the charity before volunteers handed them out to homeless people in Manchester.

The children have also designed their own badges in a competition with the winner announced on Saturday.

The cub scouts will then receive a badge with the winning design on it which will be attached to their camping blankets.