St Albans Mayor Councillor Anthony Rowlands has raised £1,635 for homelessness charity Open Door.

The funds were collected through the annual St Albans Sleep-Out, an event Mayor Rowlands and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Josie Madoc, participated in.

Supporters slept out from 9pm until 7am the following morning to raise awareness about homelessness.

Mayor Rowlands said: "Our thanks go to everyone who donated to this appeal.

"Open Door provides a valuable service to our community and I am delighted we have raised this money for such a good cause."

Open Door provides support to vulnerable individuals and the homeless, including drop-in and night shelter services in the city centre.

The reputable charity, with a history spanning almost three decades, also offers additional assistance and emergency accommodation during winter months.

Following the completion of the sleep-out, the funds were handed over to Open Door Treasurer Lindsey McLeod by Rowlands, Madoc and Madoc’s son Dylan, 14, who too had participated in the event.

The handover took place outside St Albans City and District Council’s offices.

Cllr Madoc said: "Choosing to sleep out overnight was an experience that was made more comfortable for us by having warm clothes, blankets, and access to hot drinks all night if we wanted them.

"For the homeless, these luxuries are not on hand, and sleeping outside is not a choice.

"So, charities like Open Door are invaluable for providing a brilliant lifeline, and I'm extremely grateful to everyone who gave so generously so that Open Door can continue to do such wonderful work in St Albans."