A TOP cop slept rough for the night to see what life is like for young runaways.

Garry Shewan, Assistant Chief Constable at Cheshire Police, spent a night under the stars in his sleeping bag.

He was one of 60 volunteers taking part in The Big Sleep Out at Victoria Park athletics arena in Warrington.

The event was set up to give people an understanding of what life is like for young runaways with no bed or shelter.

It also raised money to help local youngsters find their way in life.

Mr Shewan began his career at Greater Manchester Police. He was commander for Manchester city centre and head of policing for the 2002 Commonwealth Games before joining Cheshire Police.

He said: "More than 100,000 children run away or go missing from home or care every year.

"I took part in The Big Sleep Out as it is important to support the community and to raise awareness of the issue of running away and the subsequent risks involved, such as drugs, homelessness and even child prostitution.

"It was an eye-opening experience and raised money for a great cause."

The event was organised by the Relationships Centre in Warrington which launched its `Talk…Don't Walk' scheme to reduce the number of runaways in the town by 76 per cent.

The scheme's project manager Alison McCausland, who is also a detective at Cheshire Police, said: "Turning a blind eye or running away from problems is a natural reaction for some young people.

"But running isn't the answer and by doing so they put themselves in danger.

"Research shows that one in 14 runaways survive through stealing, begging or getting involved in prostitution and drugs.

"Money raised from The Big Sleep Out will allow services such as Talk...Don't Walk to be extended to help other young runaways and families."

One youngster, 14, tells The Big Sleep Out website: "Talk..Don't Walk really helped me. I stopped running away and I moved back in with my mum and dad.

"Things have really improved at home."