TWO Stourbridge councillors are set to sleep rough this Christmas to help try and raise awareness of homeless teenagers in the area.

Deputy Dudley Council leader and parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge - councillor Pete Lowe, who represents Lye and Stourbridge North, will accompany Cradley and Wollescote colleague - councillor Richard Body - in the open from 7pm on Christmas Eve until 7am on Christmas Day.

The pair propose to bed down under open skies in Wollescote to highlight the plight of homeless youngsters while trying to raise some sponsorship money for the YMCA Black Country Group charity at the same time.

They will also be endorsing Dudley Council's support for the YMCA's Open Door scheme which encourages residents to offer accommodation for homeless youngsters.

Cllr Body already acts as a host, providing a roof over the head for vulnerable homeless youngsters in need.

There are currently in 80 hosts in the borough - but there is a desperate need for more.

Cllr Lowe said: "I'm sure spending just one night out on the street will really bring it home to us just how important the work of the YMCA charity is.

"The depressing fact is that sleeping rough is a reality for so many teenagers in the Black Country and we want people to sit up and take notice.

"It is depressing that the gulf between the 'haves' and 'have nots' is wider now than at any time in our history.

"As a society, we should be judged by how we treat those less fortunate and Christmas, a time of goodwill, is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness."

The councillors can be sponsored for their sleep out by visiting the YMCA's online fundraising page www.virginmoneygiving.com/ChristmasBox.

Further details about the YMCA's Open Door scheme can be obtained from host co-ordinator Rachael Taylor on 0121 524 1974.