SUPPORTERS of a homeless charity for youngsters have taken it in turns to sofa surf in the middle of York.

Interior designer and former Changing Rooms regular, Linda Barker joined Scout groups and members of SASH to mark World Homeless Day in Parliament Street.

The charity's staff took it in turns to sleep on the sofa throughout the day and raise awareness about what it means to be young and homeless in 2015.

SASH is keen for people to understand that just because young people are not usually seen rough sleeping, this does not mean they are not being affected by homelessness.

Linda Barker said: "Homeless young people look like any person we pass on the street, they look like the kids my daughter went to school with and the person who serves us our morning cup of coffee on the way to work. Global Homeless Day is a day to remind us that the shapes that inhabit the sleeping bags on the street are real people and that through no fault of their own they find themselves destitute and alone often in desperate need of our help and our compassion. Lets try to support our vulnerable young homeless people, they need us - I've pledged my help to put an end to homelessness - will you?"

In the past three months SASH has offered help to over 100 young people and provided 212 nights of accommodation through its Nightstop service alone.

For more information visit www.sash-uk.org.uk