More than £100,000 has been raised in five years for an Oxford charity which supports the homeless.

Fundraising for The Oxford Sleep-Out (OSO) netted £20,000 in the last financial year which ended in March.

More than half of this was raised by sponsors of the 100 volunteers who spend a night sleeping out in St Clement's churchyard on an extremely cold night in November.

More than £1,000 was raised by 50 volunteers who took part in a street collection while £1,700 was raised by people who paid for the privilege of sleeping in their own beds.

Recent figures collected by the Government showed that 26 people sleep rough every night in Oxford, but managers at the charity say the true figure is more than 30.

OSO co-ordinator, David Belton, said: "The majority don't sleep out from choice but because there is nowhere else to go.

"The need is great and resources are limited.

"This campaign is one way for the whole community to help by getting involved with our fundraising events."

Last year's money was donated to several projects which support the homeless, including The Porch, The Night Shelter and The Gatehouse.

Things provided for the homeless by the money include warm clothing, Christmas hampers, emergency travel and the cost of resettling people in accommodation.

OSO has several high-profile patrons including the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries.

Events planned for this year include another sleep out, mini sleep outs involving schools and street collections.

To volunteer services or funds, call 01865 350405.