CHARITY champions are gearing up to spend a night under the stars for a good cause.

The Leader reported in February how Citizens Advice Flintshire (CAF) announced last its team was arranging a sponsored sleep-out.

Organised in response to the increasing demand for support with Universal Credit (UC), the event will take place at the charity's offices in Cable Street, Connah's Quay, on March 23.

CAF has also since announced the entertainment which will be taking place on the night, tickets for which cost £5 for an early bird booking and £7 on the door.

Entertainment, which runs from 7pm to 11.30pm, will include musician and vocal leader James Ellis and community choir The Bebington Bitter Men.

Mandy Plant of CAF told the Leader that the event aims to raise £20,000 to help the charity recruit more staff to help people who are encountering difficulties with the benefits system.

She added: "We have a four-week waiting list for appointments and we don’t want to turn people away, so we need more trained advisors.

"If you can’t come, donate - We need your support."

Bagillt resident Rebecca Crozier, who is training to become a CAF adviser, will be participating with her 8-year-old son Oscar.

She said: "Last year my son raised money and donations for the homeless in Liverpool.

"He tries to do something every year and as I'm at CAF and claim Universal Credit and I understand how it is - Oscar said we're doing it.

"Its massively important for people to come and support it, even if it's just to come and raise awareness.

"This is affecting our community and not just the unemployed - it is everyone. It is going to be such a brilliant night."

CAF confirmed that it supported 54 people who were experiencing Universal Credit issues in December (2018) and 118 people in January - which was the highest number of clients it has helped with UC in a single month since its launch in Flintshire.

Speaking of the sleep-out Clare Madders, also of CAF, said: "This project is about people being able to experience a little bit of the hardship to raise awareness of the issues our clients are going through."

To speak to the charity's sleep-out organisers or sign up visit www.flintshirecab.org.uk/sleep-out

Participation costs £10 entry plus sponsorship.