WITH temperatures dropping, it is time for the annual Sleepout at St Albans Abbey to highlight the plight of the homeless. The sponsored Sleepout, which raises money for homelessness charities, will be held from 9pm until 7am next Friday, December 5. Th

WITH temperatures dropping, it is time for the annual Sleepout at St Albans Abbey to highlight the plight of the homeless.

The sponsored Sleepout, which raises money for homelessness charities, will be held from 9pm until 7am next Friday, December 5.

The Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Bert Pawle, will be joining hundreds of sleepers in the Abbey precinct which will be transformed into an open-air dormitory, allowing all the participants to experience what it is like to spend a night out in the cold while at the same time raising money for homelessness charities.

He said: "As winter spreads its icy blasts, think of those less fortunate without a permanent roof over their heads

"You can make a difference by either joining in the Sleepout or by sponsoring my night out in the open."

Among the charities being supported this year is Open Door, the night shelter in Bricket Road, St Albans, which is open all year round and also acts as a drop-in centre.

Margaret Lewis, the chair of Open Door, commented: "We are indebted to our many volunteers who help in numerous ways to support the staff in the running of Open Door and we are now looking for volunteers to help over Christmas and New Year."

The Sleepout is open to anyone although one adult is required for every eight youngsters under the age of 18.

First aid will be provided by a voluntary group called Direct and sponsors include the Rotary Club of St Albans Priory and the Mothers Union who will be serving soup.

For further information and to book a place, go to the website www.stalbans.anglican.org and complete the registration form.

To sponsor the Mayor and his support of Open Door, contact his office on 01727 819544