'It's a bit hard loved up when you're homeless'
Alex and Ian, a Teesside couple who have been together "for about eight months'", have told the BBC about their relationship, and the hardships of sleeping rough.
The number of people sleeping on the streets has increased both nationally and in the North East, according to the annual count undertaken by local authorities.
Figures indicate the number of people sleeping rough in the region has risen from 67 to 89.
Middlesbrough recorded 18 people on the streets, up from six the previous year.
The government said it had spent £2.4bn on the issue and was working towards ending rough sleeping.
Middlesbrough Council said it was "looking at its longer term plans" to tackle the problem.
Video produced by Adam Clarkson & Alex Challies.
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