A man pitched a tent in the car park of his local as part of his efforts to raise £5K for a homeless charity.

Stephen France, from Wheathampstead, slept out at The Swan last Friday night in aid of Open Door, a night shelter in St Albans.

Stephen, who works for Notcutts, explained why he put himself through the experience: “For some years I have wanted to do something but I was not sure what to do and for which charity.

“I was watching television over Christmas and there was lots about homeless people and how it’s often not their fault.

“That got to me a bit, so I went online and found Open Door.”

Stephen spoke to the charity and after he settled on them as his cause gave himself a target of £5,000, and has already raised a few hundred pounds.

He is also helping organise an auction and a race night later this year.

To donate, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/stephenfrance1