A company boss is swapping his suit for warm clothing – to spend a night sleeping rough on the streets.

Andy Howarth (pictured), chairman of Cleckheaton-based Howarths People and Safety Management, will have nothing but the pavement for a bed and a shop doorway for shelter when he spends a night on the streets in Leeds in aid of fundraising initiative #sleepingwithsimon.

The event on September 25 is in support of Simon on the Streets, a charity offering support for homeless people in Huddersfield, Leeds, Bradford and other areas of West Yorkshire.

Simon on the Streets offers individual support to those who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, those with behavioural and mental health issues and those struggling with an addiction.

The charity aims to help individuals to access the services that they need to make positive change.

Said Andy: “No one willingly sleeps rough every night – its cold, lonely, dangerous and degrading.

“Just a few quid donation will make a difference to those in real need and I am looking for help in supporting my one night sleeping rough on the streets of Leeds.

“I’m only doing one night and afterwards will go home to a warm bath and food. The guys on the street have no such luxury.

“Unless they get help and support, they are there every night wind, rain or shine – 365 days without hope. Does anyone deserve that?”

Andy is aiming to raise £2,000 for the charity. To donate, click here.