Youngsters braved freezing conditions and a rough night's sleep to buy livestock for villagers in an Aids-ravaged part of Africa.

About 30 children took part in a sleep-out at Blackbird Leys Community Centre, Oxford, on Saturday night to mark World Aids Day.

Between £500 to £600 raised from the sponsored event will go towards buying animals for a Kenyan village which has been devastated by the epidemic.

The youngsters, mainly aged between eight and 14, took part in fun and sporting activities before grabbing a few hours sleep.

Jordan Isaacs, 14, took part and managed to snatch a few moments' sleep inside the community centre's Glow Hall.

He said: "I fell asleep for about 20 minutes at a time then woke up. It was worth it all and was quite a lot of fun.

"I want to know when they are going to do something like this again."

Sayche Durant, nine, slept outside the community centre in a tent with her friends.

She said: "It was really good because we slept out in the tent and there were a lot of people, which made it fun.

"It was really cold at times, but I managed to get some sleep."

The sponsored sleep-out began at 7pm yesterday and a number of activities were held to keep the youngsters busy.

Many of the girls took part in nail art and makeovers, while the boys watched a film and and enjoyed football games.

Co-organiser Lex Francis said: "They had so much energy that despite the fact they took part in all these activities many did not get any sleep until about 5am."

Passers-by from The Blackbird pub also donated money on their way home after closing time.

A steady supply of hot drinks was available throughout the night and all the children were given a warm breakfast in the morning.

The sleepout was organised by residential social worker Kimberley Russell, who will take the cash to villagers in Bungoma, Kenya, during a month-long visit next year.

Every £30 raised in sponsorship would buy 30 chickens to provide eggs for the village.

Miss Russell would also like people to donate old reading glasses and Ladybird books that she can read to the village children.

To donate, email kimberley.russell@ oxfordshire.gov.uk