SLEEPING rough is not usually a choice, but one ex-serviceman is taking to the outdoors every night in December to spread awareness of the hardships homeless people face every day.

Carl Bakes, armed with just a sleeping bag, hammock and a waterproof layer, has been alternating his sleeping arrangements from his back garden, to woodlands in Little London and other locations to raise money for the veteran’s charity Haig Housing Trust.

The 48-year-old himself served for 24 years as a technician in the Royal Air Force before going back to civilian life, and says he understands the struggles some ex-servicepeople can face coming out of the military.

Also in this week's paper:

- Custody visitor awarded for loyal service to police and community

- Frustration as Marks and Spencer unit empty for eight months

- Gem of a pair mark 65 years of marriage

- New benefits rollout 'relatively smooth' but concerns remain, says town agencies

- Family spreading festive joy with care home sing-a-long

- News from our patches, including Whitchurch and Overton and Tidworth and Ludgershall.

- Two pages of YOUR letters.

- Two pages of your local sport.

And much much more!

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