COMPUTER boss Robin Howell is joining a nationwide sleep-in to raise money for a children's charity, writes Maggie Hartford.

Mr Howell, group managing director of Thame-based IT companies RK Distribution and Transformation Software, is used to top hotel beds on business trips.

But he will be sleeping under the stars in London's Finsbury Square on September 22 with little more than a dog blanket and a copy of The Big Issue to protect him from the weather.

He is among 140 top UK IT executives sleeping rough for a night to raise money for NCH Action for Children.

Called Byte Night, the annual event last year raised over 200,000; the sponsorship target this year is 250,000.

Among the industry notables competing for a park bench in Finsbury Square will be the UK managing director of Microsoft, the MD of Computer Associates and the editor of the industry newspaper, Computer Weekly. Mr Howell, who lives in Horton-cum-Studley, said taking part or sponsoring a participant in Byte Night enabled the IT industry to make a positive contribution to society at a practical and human level.

"IT has delivered so much to our daily lives in terms of productivity and leisure but most of these advantages are sadly unavailable to the 250,000 or so youngsters aged between 16 and 25 whose only home is the alleyway, or doorstep," he said.

"We should all be concerned about youth homelessness and Byte Night is an opportunity for all of us who appreciate the good life to show our concern in deeds as well as words."

To contribute to Byte Night/NCH Action for Children call Eve Roberts at RK Distribution on 01844 263114 or email eroberts@rkd.memec.com