A CARDBOARD city was built in Blackburn town centre to highlight the problems of homelessness.

Despite bad weather, about 30 people slept out in sleeping bags and cardboard boxes under the shopping arcade canopy in King William Street last night to raise cash for Nightsafe, a shelter for young homeless people, and for the Blackburn Young Singles Housing Association.

Volunteers from homeless charities and local hostels were joined by people who had experienced homelessness themselves for the annual fundraising event, which began more than 10 years ago.

Linda Sharratt, Nightsafe manager, said she hoped sponsorship and street collections throughout the day and night would raise more than last year's total of £3,000.

She said: "Homelessness amongst young people is getting worse because of changes to the benefits system. Most young people sleep on friends' floors, moving from place to place, so the problem is not really visible in Blackburn. We want to raise awareness of homelessness."

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