The St Albans mayor and deputy are preparing for the Sleepout at the Abbey.

Mayor Frances Leonard and councillor Gill Clark have been testing their equipment for the 23rd Sleepout, which takes place on December 2.

Eleven charities that work with homeless people are taking part, including Centre 33, Emmaus and Open Door and the mayor’s charity of the year, Herts Young Homeless.

Mayor Leonard said: “The Sleepout is a great event that brings the community together to help raise money for local homeless charities.

“It was a chilly and rainy day when we tested out our equipment and it reminded us just what hardships the homeless have to endure when sleeping out in the cold.

“So please help us raise money for the homeless by either joining us on the night for the sponsored Sleepout or by sponsoring someone who is taking part in this event.”

Sleepout has raised around £620,000 since it began and it hopes to raise another £30,000 by the end of the year.

Kathryn Salmon, head of fundraising for Herts Young Homeless, said: “We are very proud to once again be part of such a special evening, where people within our communities come together, braving the cold and often the rain, and raise much needed funds for homeless charities across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

“Last year our wonderful people raised a phenomenal £10,500 for Herts Young Homeless and we hope to raise a similar amount this year.”

Brighton Peyton, chairman of Sleepout, said: “The plight of homeless people is most apparent in winter, but is acute all the year round. We are really pleased that Sleepout continues to receive strong support to help with this need, especially during the season of goodwill to all.”