Leek residents will join many around the country in raising money for homeless veterans by sleeping on the streets this month.

Local residents will be sleeping outside the Ally Cat Card and Gift Shop on Saturday (19th March) after the Leek business kindly gave them permission to do so.

It's taking place as part of the Great Tommy Sleepout, which is organised by the Royal British Legion Industries charity to raise money for the estimated 6,000 veterans who are currently sleeping rough in the UK.

Frank Scholes is one of those taking part in Leek. He told Nub News: "Being a veteran myself this cause is very close to my heart. My dad was ex-military as is my wife's father."

Explaining his preparations for the evening and the kit he would be using to help him get through the night, he added: "It'll just be a sleeping bag, poncho and some other bits and bobs so I'm hoping the weather will be kind to us that evening."

He also encouraged people to donate and take part if they are interested, saying: "I and veterans living on the streets would be eternally grateful for any donations no matter how big or small they are - every penny counts, as they say.

"We would love it if people wanted to stop by and have a chat or even sleep under the stars with us. It's all about raising these vital funds. The more the merrier!"

The sleepout will be taking place in Leek from 5.30pm on Saturday evening to 7am on Sunday morning.

If you would like to donate, visit Frank's fundraising page by clicking here or find out more about the sleepout by clicking here.