A “CARDBOARD city” will house staff at a homeless charity as they sleep rough for World Homeless Day.

Staff at Emmaus Colchester, will sleep outside its High Street shop overnight tomorrow.

Donations will be collected for Beacon House, another homeless charity.

Spokesman Keith Henrick said: “Latest figures show homelessness has increased by 12 per cent since last year, making it more important than ever to raise awareness.

“Our companions, the formerly homeless people our charity supports, have put together ideas for a cardboard city, to highlight the plight of homeless people.”

Emmaus Colchester will also be collecting items for those living on the streets, including backpacks, blankets, new socks and underwear, tooth brushes and flasks.