An all-night sleep out will see fundraisers brave freezing temperatures this weekend.

The annual Big Sleep, organised by Cumbria Community Foundation, takes place on Saturday, aiming to raise awareness to the plight of older people who struggle to heat their homes during the winter months.

It will take place on the shore of Lake Windermere, opposite the Low Wood Bay Hotel.

Andy Beeforth, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: "The Big Sleep is by far the biggest fundraiser for the Winter Warmth Appeal, which supports a thousand people each year, but we will never have enough money.

"Bad winters have seen as many as 460 excess winter deaths in the county. I hope people will brave the cold and raise what they can for this very important cause."

Participants are encouraged to collected sponsorship money for completing the event, with all money raised supporting the Winter Warmth Appeal.

The appeal sees a pot of money distributed to older, vulnerable Cumbrians via Age UK to help pay towards heating bills. Since its launch the Big Sleep has raised £100,000.

To sign up for the Big Sleep, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/bigsleep . The closing date for online entries is at 10am on Friday. It costs £35 for adults and £5 for children.

The entry fee covers refreshments, an evening meal, activities throughout the day and breakfast.

For more information about the event, contact Anne Meeghan by emailing anne@cumbriafoundation.org or calling 01900 825760.