Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal raised a record £133,000 to help keep older people warm during the coldest months of the year.

Almost £20,000 of that was raised in one night when hundreds of people were sponsored to spend a night sleeping under the starts for The Big Sleep.

The money has helped keep almost 1,000 older people warm across the county.

The charity is asking people to pencil next year’s Big Sleep  in their diary on January 28 as there’s a special twist next year with happy campers sleeping on the shore of Windermere.

Andy Beeforth, Cumbria Community Foundation’s chief executive, said: "As a charity we have had a busy winter responding to the December floods.

"I am very proud of my team and our supporters who made sure we raised this record amount to keep older people warm in the winter.

"I’d like to see more people sleeping out next year as we have a unique opportunity to sleep in front of The Low Wood Hotel rather than behind it while work is being carried out in it."

This year, Graham McAvoy, Kieran Askbrook and Cliff DeGraff, all of Workington, cycled to Windermere from their homes and then back again the next morning.

They raised £500 for the appeal.

Graham said: "It’s a fantastic event and it’s great to be able to raise money for charity in a fun way.

"What’s important for us though it that all the money we raise will be spent locally, helping Cumbrians stay warm and well."

A team of five from the Low Level Waste Repository in Drigg took part.

Donna Glasson said: “We often support Cumbria Community Foundation’s charity events and we all feel very proud for taking part in the Big Sleep and surviving a very cold night of discomfort!

"The event was well managed with lots of entertainment and we thoroughly enjoyed it."