A big-hearted nine year old will be braving the outdoors to highlight the plight of the homeless and raise money for a key local charity.

Fletcher Mabbutt who goes to Hayesdown School in Frome and is year 4, is keen to help however he can.

His mum said: " Fletcher has been noticing rough sleepers whenever the family has been out in towns or cities and always discusses with us how hard that life must be. A recent visit from someone from the Julian House charity at his school talking about homeless members of our society prompted him to want to do something to help. "

So on March 3 they will be sleeping out in Alice Park, Bath with just a cardboard mattress and sleeping bag each as part of Julian House's Big Sleep Out.

"This will give us a very small idea of what it's like in this situation that thousands are in. And it will certainly be a challenge to try to sleep and brave sleeping out without even a tent. "

Julian House told Nub News : "The Big Bath Sleepout is always a popular fixture in our fundraising calendar and we're very grateful for the fantastic support we receive from people like Fletcher, and our supporters in Bath, Frome and across the region. It's a heart-breaking reality, that without support of a charity like Julian House, the life expectancy of a long-term homeless person is just 44 years. By taking on the sleep out challenge next week and raising vital funds, our community can help change that. It's not too late so sign up today."

 People can sign up on our website www.bigbathsleepout.co.uk

Julian House is hoping to raise £30,000.

You can help Fletcher's part of that - with any financial support, no matter how small - to the charity to help with their work. Thank you

You can donate HERE.

Fletcher is hoping to raise at least £300.