THE managing director of a North Yorkshire IT firm will spend a night under the stars this week to help tackle youth homelessness in the UK.

Andrew Griffiths, of software consultancy Ortia, of Richmond, will be sacrificing a night in the comfort of his own bed to take part in an annual sleep out tomorrow night.

The Byte Night event, for the NCH children's charity, has IT executives from around the country bedding down for the evening in Finsbury Square, London.

Now in its fifth year, the event has gone from strength to strength and raised more than £650,000 in support of NCH's work with homeless young people.

Mr Griffiths said: "I am a little apprehensive, but looking forwards to the event. I have a feeling it will be an interesting experience. It must be ten years since I have slept in a sleeping bag outdoors.

"I think it is a good charity to raise money for. I have managed to cajole some of the customers into sponsoring me and raised over £2,000.