A HOMELESS man from Ringwood has paid tribute to an anonymous couple who have given him their heating allowance for the year.

A cheque for £100 and two John Lewis vouchers worth £50 were enclosed in a letter to the Journal to be given to Ivan Halford, who has been living on the streets since he was made homeless in July.

The letter said: “We are unable to offer much in the way of practical help but would like to give Ivan our heating allowance.

“It would be very wrong to ignore Ivan’s plight and I am thankful every day for what we have.”

Mr Halford said he was “overwhelmed” with the kindness and support he has been shown since the Journal highlighted his plight two weeks ago.

Mr Halford appealed for help to get back on his feet, saying rummaging for food in bins and squatting in empty buildings with the temperatures expected to plummet was becoming “intolerable”.

He said: “I am lost for words. This couple’s generosity is overwhelming. I would love to be able to thank them properly, but I understand that they wish to remain unknown.

“I am in discussions with the housing department at New Forest District Council and have been talking to the estate agents in Ringwood, so I want to put this money towards a deposit on a flat.

“I want to thank everybody who has helped me so much; you all know who you are.”

A district council spokesman said: “We provide advice and assistance on a range of housing-related problems, including homelessness. If someone is homeless or faces homelessness, our housing officers will discuss their circumstances and what options may be available.

“Based on the information Mr Halford has given us and in view of the severe weather expected in the next few weeks, we have advised him that we will consider helping with the loan of a deposit for a rented property.”