A GYPSY who wants to change the 'bad' reputation of the travelling community is preparing to sleep on the streets to raise funds for the homeless.

Jack Harrop, 21, says he will only have his sleeping bag and Go Pro camera to record his experience when he takes up the 48-hour challenge in Middlesbrough on Monday.

Mr Harrop, of Bishop Auckland, said he had already raised more than £500 in sponsorship, including support from his church at St Hilda's in Darlington, and was looking forward to the "tough" experience.

He said: "Everything I raise will be going to the homeless who I meet - I'm going to be buying them sleeping bags and other essentials once I've completed the challenge.

"I'm making a documentary on YouTube about it. I was watching a YouTube documentary about homelessness in Manchester and knew I wanted to do something to raise awareness here."

He added: "I won't have anything but I can sing so I'm going to try to busk and anything I can for shelter but I've never done anything like this before.

"I'm going to try to make friends with the people I meet and obviously then I can help them directly afterwards - I want to help them get things they're going to need.

"Gypsies often get a bad press so I want to show the other side."

You can follow Mr Harrop's challenge and donate on his Facebook page. Alternatively, you can find his channel on YouTube under County Durham Finest.