A MONMOUTH trader is swapping his bed for a sleeping bag and a home made cardboard shelter on Thursday of this week to raise funds for the homelessness charity Llamau.

David Blair, the owner of No Eighteen, the sandwich and chocolate brownie shop on Church Street in Monmouth, is a trustee of the charity.

David said "As the weather gets a little more unpredictable, I shall be joining 160 or so others in the Sleep Out event in Cardiff.  We will be spending a night in the elements to raise awareness and vital funds to help #endyouthhomelessness in Wales. With your help, we’d love to raise a brilliant amount of money for a very worthwhile cause."

"Llamau are the leading homelessness charity in Wales and have been working across the country for 28 years to support homeless young people and vulnerable women. They provide supported accommodation, housing advice, training, work placements, mental health support and basic living skills to help people on the road to a brighter future.

"Last year Llamau helped nearly 5,000 people to gain the skills they need to live independently in their communities. All thoroughly evidenced and with some quite remarkable outcomes.

"Demands on services are increasing and in these tough economic times,  it’s vital to raise the funds to keep these frontline services accessible to those who truly need it.

"Your help and support in doing so would be very much appreciated. Thank you."