Politicians and business bosses will be taking part in the Birmingham New Street station sleepout.

West Midland Mayor Andy Street is one of 50 people due to sleep on the station’s concourse in support of vulnerable runaway children.

Mr Street said: “I’m looking forward to taking part in the Railway Children’s first ever sleepout to raise awareness of this issue and to support the vital work they do.

“The commitment to help tackle this growing problem here in the West Midlands by Network Rail and wider rail industry is to be admired.

“It highlights that we all need to focus on protecting and supporting vulnerable children and young people who decide to run away from home, but often inadvertently put themselves at further risk.”

The sleepout, will raise awareness of children who have run away from home, will also take place at Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street and London Bridge stations on Thursday.

Network Rail directors, train companies and rail industry partners will join the sleepout from 8pm, with hopes of raising £25,000.

British Transport Police estimates it will deal with 10,000 child safeguarding incidents on Britain’s railways this year, 20 per cent increase from 2017/18.

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