POTENTIAL uniformed services personnel spent an uncomfortable night under cardboard to highlight the plight of homeless veterans.

Isle of Wight College's Uniformed Public Services course recently organised a Great Tommy Sleep Out to raise awareness about homelessness and funds for the Royal British Legion (RBL).

On the night of the event, students on the course slept outside in cardboard boxes, simulating a night on the streets to raise awareness of the struggles faced by homeless veterans.

The event was a huge success, with over £1,685 raised for the RBL.

Isle of Wight County Press: Uniformed Public Services students on the sleepout.Uniformed Public Services students on the sleepout. (Image: Isle of Wight College)

"This event has been a great opportunity for our students to experience just a small taste of what it can be like to sleep rough. It's important that they understand the challenges that homeless veterans face," said Vykke Gill, curriculum manager at Isle of Wight College.

The Great Tommy Sleep Out was also an opportunity for the students to put their training into practice.

As part of their course, they learn skills such as leadership, teamwork and resilience, which were all put to the test during the event.

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The Uniformed Public Services course at Isle of Wight College is designed to prepare students for careers in the armed forces, emergency services, and other uniformed services.

One student said: "Doing this sleep out under the stars really opened my eyes to what others go through. The struggle others go through day in day out."