A YOUNG politician is swapping the corridors of power for a night on the streets to highlight the plight of the homeless.

Trib Gosain has signed up for the Big Tees Sleepout, a fundraising event challenging people to sleep rough for one night to help in the fight against local poverty and homelessness.

And the 17-year-old have a day and night of contrasts as he goes from one extreme to another.

First, the teenager will head to the House of Commons for a series of debates as part of his role as the Middlesbrough member of the UK Youth Parliament.

And then as soon as the voting is over, he will dash back to Teesside to take part in the sixth Big Tees Sleepout, which will take place outside Middlesbrough College on Friday, November 13.

He said: “It’s a day I’m looking forward to immensely but there will be a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

“It’s incredible to think that on the same day of the Big Tees Sleepout, I’ll be debating in the House of Commons so it will be a day of amazing culture shocks.

“I’ll go from the splendour of Westminster to a night under the stars, sleeping on a harsh, unforgiving concrete floor.

“It’s fair to say I’m a bit worried about sleeping out but no matter how uncomfortable it is, I know it will be worth it.”

The student at Middlesbrough’s King’s Academy, says he is taking part because he is certain the Big Tees Sleepout will turn the local spotlight on a cause he feels is too often overlooked.

“I’ve always been interested in politics because I want to change things for the better and so it will ultimately be a win-win situation,’ he said. “It will be a real shock to the system but that’s everyday life for many people who are homeless."

Organised by charitable movement Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, the sleepout aims to raise as much money as possible for those suffering poverty or homelessness.

For more details or to sign up for the Big Tees Sleepout, visit bigteessidesleepout.co.uk

Participants must be aged 16 plus.