Volunteers who gave up their beds to spend a night under the stars in Oxford helped raise £15,750 for homeless projects in the city.

Most of the money was raised through sponsorship by more than 100 people who took part in the annual Oxford Sleep Out last November.

They experienced the plight of homeless people by sleeping rough in St Clement's churchyard, Marston Road. The money has been distributed to 13 Oxford homeless projects.

Andrew Smith, project director of the Gatehouse, a cafe for homeless people in Northgate Hall, St Michael's Street, who took part in the Sleep Out, said: "It was worth the discomfort when you think that a lot of the people we see in our cafe have to sleep out every night. Now we have an extra £2,000 to keep us going."

The Sleep Out, which is organised by homeless projects, has been running since 1995.

Patrons include the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Pat Stannard, and Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries.

This year's event will be co-ordinated by Liz Collinson, of the charity Bridge, which runs the Bridge hostel for homeless young people in Iffley Road, and the Gap day centre, in Park End Street.

The Bridge received £1,500 from the Sleep Out.

Ms Collinson said: "It's such a worthwhile cause. Last year I helped in the kitchen, making tea for volunteers who were sleeping out. I can't think of anything better to do on a Saturday night."

Other projects which received cash included Oxford Night Shelter, English Churches Housing Group, Emmaus and Aspire.

To get involved this year, call 01865 201818.