SLEEPING on the streets of Bolton is not something many people would choose to do.

As today’s special report reveals, rough sleepers face a range of dangers as well as hostile behaviour.

Coping with extreme weather and illness is bad enough, but many are attacked and degraded on a regular basis, with some being kicked and punched, and others have been urinated on and stabbed.

Many treat them with kindness and compassion, often stopping to give them money, food and hot drinks, and someone to talk to.

While few would choose this as a way of life, for many sleeping rough, it is a choice between the streets and prison.

There are often complex reasons why they are in the situation they find themselves, but ultimately, they find their options are limited.

For those who have experienced the worst of street life, prison offers a roof over their head, somewhere dry and warm to sleep, and three meals a day.

Everyone who is sleeping rough on our streets has a story to tell and reasons for being there.

Many are educated and have had jobs, but either drink or drugs, or traumas in their lives have led to their downfall.

People who pass by talk to them or help them with food or loose change may see a familiar face but it is much more than that.

This is someone’s child who has hit rock bottom and is constantly at risk while they are on the streets.