IT WILL certainly be a room with a view but that is the only creature comfort one landlord will enjoy as he sleeps on scaffolding outside his pub.

Keith Newby's bed for the next five nights may boast views across Northwick and Claines but that is the only plus point as he braves the chilly nights in a tent above The New Inn, Claines.

Two charities will benefit from his sleep out with customers and businesses giving donations and nominating which charities they would like to see receive the money.

Two names will be chosen from the customer and business ballot boxes at a "coming down party" on Saturday from 8pm with music from Voodoo Blues.

Mr Newby, aged 41, said: "I am absolutely petrified of heights and I absolutely hate camping.

"When I was taking the Rugby World Cup flags down I was only four feet off the ground but everyone was in stitches because they could see I was shaking.

"That was how it all started.

"Two customers offered me £1,000 to sleep on a cherry picker for a night but I was too petrified so we came up with the idea of having the scaffolding and getting companies to donate money for a banner on the side.

"Customers have also been popping by with donations and we will select two charities from the business and customer ballot boxes on Saturday.

"We've had allsorts of suggestions already - Claines Church, Claines School, Acorns, homeless charities."

With temperatures dropping overnight, Mr Newby began his sleepout last night (Monday) at 4.30pm with little more than a red tent and a sleeping bag.

He is confident his loyal customers will make it worth his while though with them generously raising thousands last year for St Richard's Hospice following the death of his friend Cynthia Leather.

"I felt so humbled when everyone got behind the charity last year and I am in a very privileged position where we can get people raising a lot of money for charity.

"It's going to be tough but if we did it when it was 20C it wouldn't be a challenge and I don't think my Mrs would be happy with me sunning it up on the scaffolding.

"Don't get me wrong, I've got a tent and sensible provisions and I've got people offering to bring me stuff.

"The community we have around Worcester I think is like no other.

"I've worked in lots of cities and towns and Worcester has got everything and the people are fantastic and so generous."

To donate and nominate a charity, visit the pub on Ombersley Road.