The mayor of St Albans will be taking part in a Sleepout this Friday to raise money for a homeless charity.

Councillor Annie Brewster will be participating in the St Albans Abbey Sleepout to raise money and awareness for local charity, Open Door.

More than 302 people used the Open Door night shelter last year, with 12 people a day using the daytime drop-in.

During last year’s winter, Open Door provided extra beds and evening meals for more than 100 nights to ensure the homeless had somewhere warm to stay when the temperature fell below zero.

All the money raised at the sleepout will go towards supporting the charity’s work.

Councillor Brewster said: "As the weather turns colder and Christmas festivities become the norm, we should all try to remember those who have no roof over their heads and the challenges that brings.

"I am immensely proud to support the Open Door Charity, both as their patron for the year and in an all-night sleep out this December where we will experience a little of what homeless people face on a regular basis."

Joan Bailey, chair of the Open Door Charity, said: "Open Door really needs your help so that we can continue to support people in our community who have become homeless.

"Homelessness is a real and growing problem, which affects people from all walks of life, often suddenly and unexpectedly."

Last year’s supporters raised more than £5,000 for charity.

The sleepout will take place from Friday, December 6 from 9pm to 7am on Saturday.

The event is open to anyone, but children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent, and young people between 12 and 18-years-old must have a responsible adult staying with them throughout the night.

For more information on the sleepout visit www.abbeysleepout.org. If you wish to sleep out for Open Door, sponsor someone sleeping out, or donate to help local homeless people visit https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/opendoorstalbans