MORE than 300 people slept under the stars at Somerset Park all in a very good cause.

Ayr United fans and others across the community supported the Somerset Sleepout, organised by charity SeAscape to help highlight the growing problems of homelessness in the community.

The Sleepout was a resounding success, raising a whopping £10,000.

And now it is set to become an annual event.

SeaAscape spokeswoman May Gilchrist said: “We are delighted with the response from supporters who came along and took part in the first Somerset Sleepout to raise awareness of the poverty and homelessness issues in South Ayrshire.

Ayr United were absolutely fantastic in setting up the operation with Roy Provan and Graeme Miller leading the way.

“Our main sponsors, Zisys, setup the light, stage and sound system, all free of charge, which was a huge saving for the charity and thanks to Danny Anderson for his generosity and lending us his expertise.

“We have raised well over £10,000 just now with cash donations still to come in, we are really pleased and people are emailing us to sign up for next year. Quite amazing the number of positive responses we’ve had.”

Among those who gave up their time for free were entertainers, Jason Skimming and The Seaside Sons, huge AUFC supporters, Debbie Campbell, Olivia Campbell and guitarist Scott Nicol and finally the brilliant Billy Bryan and Nicola Gillian who sang Happy Birthday to two young boys, Benito and Valentino Rossi from Troon, who celebrated their 10th birthday on Saturday and were presented with a lovely cake. The camaraderie in the crowd was amazing.

Ayr United commercial manager Graeme Miller said: “We were delighted to host the event and I took part as a fan. Roy Provan gave up his time to be security officer on the night. There was a lot of positive feedback from people who took part.

“When May approached us about hosting the Sleepout it was very supportive and now it’s going to be an annual event. When the fixtures come out in June we will get back to SeAscape with a date. I’m aware homelessness is major problem and anything which might help get people off the streets has to be a good idea.”