TV’s Downton Abbey star Allen Leech is among celebrities planning to snuggle up in a giant sleeping bag in the open at Canary Wharf in east London tonight.

He joins sports presenter Charlie Webster and Hollywood actor Colin Salmon and other volunteers in a world record-breaking attempt for the most people in a sleeping bag.

The attempt with a 60ft-long sleeping bag is being held at West India Quay for the homeless charity Centrepoint’s annual ‘Sleep Out’ fundraiser.

“The sleeping bag is huge, but barely a fraction of the 80,000 young people who are homeless each year would fit in it,” Centrepoint’s Victoria Parker explained.

“The event can’t replicate the fear and uncertainty homeless youngsters face this Christmas—but hopefully draws attention to the dangers they face.

“They are twice as likely to die as those with shelter this winter.”

This year’s event is the charity’s biggest yet, with several businesses already pledged support.

Jon Milward from Deloitte accountants, who has taken part in Sleep Out at West India Quay for several years, said: “I’m just grateful I go home the following morning to a hot bath and warm bed—unlike the 80,000 homeless youngsters who sleep rough on our streets and in our parks.”

Thousands of people are taking part in Centrepoint’s annual Sleep Out at 12 events across the country tonight (Thurs), from 10pm to 7am tomorrow, including a sleep-out at Old Truman Brewery in Spitalfields.

They are braving the wintery weather to raise cash to help provide young people on the streets with a warm bed, mental health support and help into education, training and employment.