DIY retailer B&Q and Shelter have teamed up with artist and homelessness activist David Tovey to create an installation representing the 172,420 children spending this Christmas homeless.

The installation was unveiled at Shelter’s carol concert reception at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London.

Tovey draws on his own experience of growing up in temporary acommation and being street homeless to create a forest of 172 Temporary Trees. The forest is made up of five designs, which reflect the reality of families trying to celebrate Christmas in “bleak conditions”.

His designs will be displayed in stores across the UK and Ireland during December and for every real tree sold, £1 will go to the homelessness charity.

Between 1 to 7 December, the retailer will match customer donations made in store through Pennies.

He said: “This project is deeply personal. I know what it’s like to grow up without a home, to feel fear, shame and uncertainty every day. I’ve also seen the courage and hope of children living through the same struggles today.

“These 172 Christmas trees aren’t just symbols, they’re a way to make children visible, to remind everyone that behind every number is a real child who deserves to be seen, believed in, and given the chance to thrive.”