A BIG Issue seller from Chipping Norton is taking part in an organised sleep out in London in a fundraising effort to support his peers.

Sean Hodgkinson is taking part in The Big Sleep Out, London in August in aid of The Big Issue Foundation.

He is no stranger to sleeping rough and was recently housed in Chipping Norton. He plans to abandon his bed for a night in favour of a railway arch just south of the river in Vauxhall, London. Whatever the weather on the day, this atmospheric venue will be cool, dark and different and there will be rumblings of trains above while participants sleep.

Whilst this night can by no means compare to the reality of sleeping rough or living on the streets, it will challenge the comfort zone of those taking part.

"I also took part two years ago. It's a good time to catch up with people who sell and sponsor the Big Issue," said Mr Hodgkinson.

The Big Issue Foundation strives to support 2,500 vendors across the country throughout the year. The money raised will be used to support homeless and vulnerably housed Big Issue sellers to overcome their current situations by providing them with bespoke support on their journey away from the streets.

Chief executive Stephen Robertson said: "Homelessness is on the increase. We are seeing more people sleeping on the street, in cars, in tents in parks. Finding a safe haven for a night's sleep is not easy. Our service team establish routes away from rough sleeping as one of our very first priorities. The Big Sleep Out provides insights into experiences of 'homelessness', accompanied by some of our vendors, a little entertainment and a real sense of unity and community. I'm looking forward to taking part. By joining us for this one night event you are helping support our work and our vendors on their journeys towards a better future."

To support Mr Hodgkinson's fundraising, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/seanbigsleepout or to learn more about The Big Issue Foundation, www.bigissue.org.uk.