People are being urged to sleep rough for a night to help raise awareness of homelessness problems in Oxford.

The Oxford Sleepout has been running for more than a decade and last year saw more than 50 people bedding down in St Clement's Churchyard, raising about £15,000.

The event's patrons are the Lord Mayor, currently Susanna Pressel, and the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard.

Ms Pressel helped launch this year's sleepout, which will take on November 15, with an event at the Westgate Centre on Friday.

She said: "I am trying to pluck up the courage to sleep out, but I will probably chicken out.

"If I don't do it I will certainly sponsor someone else to sleep out — and gratefully pay £20 for the privilege of sleeping in my own bed.

"It will seem all the more warm and comfortable when I think of the brave people who are sleeping in the graveyard."

The event is organised jointly by the city's homeless charities, including the Oxford Night Shelter, Emmaus, the Elmore Team, and Stepping Stones.

Ms Pressel said: "Oxford City Council spends more than £4m a year dealing with home- lessness.

"As the weather gets colder it is good to remember these people and to support the wonderful work of those who look after them."

Everyone is invited to take part in the sleepout, which raises funds for charity, or to organise mini-sleepouts in schools, colleges and gardens.

For more details, go to oxfordsleepout.moonfruit.com