A HOMELESS man helped by the people of Halesowen is enjoying being back in the world of work.

Anthony Turner, who is also known as Tony Lavell, started working at Metal & Waste Recycling Ltd in Powke Lane, Rowley Regis, last week.

The 28-year-old had been sleeping rough in the multi-storey car park on Pool Road for more than six weeks until kindhearted residents rallied round him to completely transform his life.

Businessman Phil Tromans gave Anthony his job which he started last Tuesday and a Crowdfunding page at http://bit.ly/2D0j2Ra which has been set up to help him secure a flat, has raised £1.2k.

Anthony, who is living in a hotel until he gets a flat sorted, said he was loving being back in employment.

He said: "It's a really good job - they are a great bunch of lads and I'm really enjoying being back at work.

"I had forklift truck training on Saturday - in the future I'd like to be trained up on the cranes.

"I'm getting on really well there - it's fantastic.

"I can't thank everyone who has helped me enough."

Anthony is due to receive his first pay check at the end of the month.

He said he had gone into work today (Monday) but had had to leave early as he had an injury to his leg which was causing him pain. He said he was looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow after resting his leg.

However Anthony revealed his search for a flat is not going as smoothly as he is struggling to provide references to potential landlords, as part of the reason he ended up on the streets was a dispute with a former landlord.

But he is hopeful he will find a permanent address and is being helped by supporters in his quest.