The mayor will spend a night sleeping on the street in support of homeless people.

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, will join business leaders for CEO Sleepout bedding down outdoors to raise money for those living on the street.

The charity event will take place at Watford Rugby Club on November 26 and challenge bosses in the area to swap their warm beds for a night experienced by those living in poverty.

CEO Sleepout was started four years ago by chairman, Andy Preston, and has been held at venues across the country including Wembley Stadium, St James’ Park Newcastle, Old Trafford cricket ground, Meadow Lane stadium, and Lord’s cricket ground.

To date, the initiative has raised £1.9 million pounds for homeless people.

Mr Taylor said: “I’m very happy to be taking part in the CEO Sleepout and would encourage other people to get involved.

“We all want to live in a town where nobody sleeps rough. Local homeless charities do fantastic work, helping people to get the support they need, find work and permanent homes.”

Watford Homeless Warriors is supporting the event. Director Stephen Russell said: “We have worked hard to bring this national movement to the town and make the first CEO Sleepout Watford happen.

“We will be actively seeking support from local businesses to get behind this event. We are a caring town, so let’s make CEO Sleepout Watford really count for our homeless friends.”

Andy Preston, chairman and founder of CEO Sleepout, said: “I am very humbled to see so many business leaders take part in our CEO Sleepout events across the country and I am sure that Watford will demonstrate what a compassionate town it is.”

Sam Weightman, New Hope, said: “We are so grateful and extremely excited to be taking part in Watford first CEO Sleepout. Over the last 28 years we have received incredibly generous support from local businesses and the community.

"We are excited to be on the receiving end of that generosity once again. With the demand on our services rapidly increasing, this event doesn’t just provide our supporters with a challenge, but will give them an opportunity to help New Hope continue to provide professional support and accommodation for those most vulnerable in our town."

For more information, visit https://www.ceosleepoutuk.com/Watford/