St Albans Mayor is set to brave the winter chill to raise money for the homeless.

The annual St Albans Sleepout set to be held next Friday will see participants sleep outside to raise awareness of homelessness in Hertfordshire.

The event is organised by five local charities: Herts Young Homeless, Open Door, Centre 33 and Emmaus, along with The Living Room charity, which works with those dealing with addiction.

St Albans Mayor Cllr Rosemary Farmer said: “I’m very proud to be taking part in this event and supporting such a good and important cause.

"I’m hoping the sleepout will highlight the dreadful plight of people who are living on our streets and raise money to help fund local charities which are trying to help them.

"I think it is part of my role as mayor to reach out and connect with everyone in the district."

The Mayor has pledged to give any funds she raises to counselling and psychotherapy charity Open Door.

She added: "I’m sure this event will also give me an insight into the lives of homeless people and the harsh living conditions they endure.”

The sleepout will take place at Oaklands College from 9pm on Friday to 7am the next day.

The event was launched in the 1990s by St Albans Abbey and Diocese and has since raised hundreds of thousands for homeless charities.

The mayor's sponsorship page is available at https://mydonate.bt.com/events/stalbanssleepout2018/477971.

Anyone wanting to participate should visit www.stalbanssleepout.org.uk/ for more information.