THE BIG-HEARTED Cradley councillor who slept under the stars on Christmas Eve to raise money for the YMCA has branded the event a success.

Councillor Richard Body and Dudley Council leader Councillor Pete Lowe braved the cold and raised over £2,500 for the YMCA Black Country Group.

And Cllr Body took the opportunity to push Cradley's case to the leader when he had the chance.

He said: "I think I bent his ear all night. We certainly had a good talk which lasted hours, I think I might have even bored him to sleep at one stage.

"But lots of people kept on popping by and saying hello and offering their support. It looks like we have raised £2,500 for a great cause and three people signed up to be hosts for the YMCA Open Door programme in the borough."

After one night sleeping rough Cllr Body realised how hard it is for the homeless during winter.

He said: "It must take a rare breed to survive, we had people popping in saying hello but to be on the streets all alone must be so hard.

"There are many reasons why teenagers find themselves homeless and I'm sorry to say attempting to find blame, won't make any difference."

He added: "Pete Lowe and myself would like to thank each and everyone who have kindly donated or sponsored us.

"With your help many more homeless teenagers will benefit from living with a caring YMCA Host right here in the Black Country."

Dudley Council leader and Labour's parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge Cllr Lowe was glad he completed the Christmas Eve challenge.

He said: "Richard and I put the world to rights, we talked until 4.30am and managed to cover subjects including world peace, education and the economy, North Korea, Nigel Farage and the importance of balancing apprenticeships and academia in our education system.

"Who can accuse Richard Body and myself of not knowing how to party."

He added: "However, I'm sure spending just one night out on the street showed how important the work of the YMCA charity is.

"The depressing fact is that sleeping rough is a reality for so many teenagers in the Black Country and we want people to sit up and take notice."

The two councillors fundraising efforts can be helped by visiting the YMCA's online fundraising page www.virginmoneygiving.com/ChristmasBox.

Further details about the YMCA's Open Door scheme can be obtained from host co-ordinator Rachael Taylor on 0121 524 1974.