A GROUP of students and teachers from Inverclyde Academy will join thousands of people in calling for an end to homelessness.

Seven pupils and two teachers will experience for one night what those living on the street face regularly when they take part in Sleep in the Park on Saturday, December 8 in Glasgow.

This is the second year a team from the school have taken part and they are hoping to raise £500 to help end homelessness.

The event organised by charity Social Bite will see thousands of people brave the icy cold conditions including teachers John Harkins and Roisin Downey and senior pupils Grace Kane, Mia Kelly, Sophie Elliot, Shane Mchaffie, Hannah Ross, Jake Traynor and Liam Wahlstrom.

Teacher John Harkins, said: “This is the second year a group from the school has taken part. Last year they raised more than £500 and if we are able to do that again we will be delighted.

“Seeing people on the streets, especially at this time of year, really hits home and as a school we wanted to help.

“I don’t think it will be easy but I think we will manage, we will keep each other motivated, its only one night for us, its every night for some people.”

The pupils were confident that they would reach their £500 fundraising target and were feeling good about the event despite the recent bad weather.

One pupil, who took part last year, said: “I am looking forward to it. My advice to anyone taking part is to have lots and lots of layers and a good sleeping bag and you’ll be fine.

“I’d love to be able to smash the £500 target we set and raise even more than last year and I am confident we can do it.”

The group only started to fundraise at the beginning of last week and are well on their way to reaching and surpassing their target having already raised £423.

To support the group when they sleep out in Kelvingrove Park on Saturday visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=inverclyde-academy1&isTeam=true