Dominique, second from right, with friends on Fishergate Pic: Billy Matthews

A Preston student who has spent 24 hours on the city streets to raise money for rough sleepers has been receiving global attention.

Dominique Harrison-Bentzen, 22, wanted to repay an attempt by an apparently homeless man in early December to help her get home after a night out.

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Her fundraising appeal has touched the hearts of people across the world with media in America, Australia and beyond covering her story.

An online fundraising page has raised just shy of £30,000 – smashing the initial £1,500 she hoped to raise to get “Robbie”, the man who tried to help her, a flat deposit.

A cold night for Dominique and friends Pic: Billy Matthews

Dominique speaking on Wednesday morning as the 24-hour sleep out came to an end said: “We’ve had so much attention from people asking what we’re doing and stopping to find out.

“There’s been a lot of interest from the press and I am glad we’re able to raise awareness.

“Any money over the initial target is being donated to charities who help the homeless in the city.”

Dominique, who studies at the University of Central Lancashire, started the sleep out at 9am on Tuesday outside Wilkinson’s and moved to different spots around the city and was joined by groups of friends at various points.

Did you see Dominique and friends on the streets? Have you donated? Let us know in the comments below