A veteran is planning to swap his bed for a sleeping bag as he will spend two nights in the outdoors to raise money for charity.

Tim Dempsey, a caretaker at Watlington Community Primary School, will camp out in the school grounds on Friday and Saturday to raise funds and awareness for the 6,000 veterans who are experiencing homelessness in the UK.

It is part of the Great Tommy Sleep Out Fundraiser for the Royal British Legion Industries, a campaign which encourages people to sleep beneath the stars to support the Armed Forces Community.

Tim, who served in the RAF for 35 years, said: “As I’m a veteran, I want to make this effort to show care and support for other veterans less fortunate than myself.”

Initially, Tim set himself a target to raise £500, but has since raised more than £600 via his Facebook page and hopes to raise more while camping out.

He will have a donation bucket while completing his challenge and is inviting people to pop by and donate.

Tim said: “It’s motivating for me that people have donated, it will make sleeping out in the cold a lot easier.

“During the cost of living crisis, its amazing that people are still giving, its mind blowing.”

Tim thanked Watlington Primary School for their continued support.