A FORMER soldier living at a homeless camp, described as a 'mini-Glastonbury', has welcomed offers of support from Worcester News readers.

We first reported on the erection of the makeshift settlement behind Primo Bar and Dining, in Sidbury, Worcester, on Wednesday.

Some locals complained that the site was an eyesore and a hub for drug dealing and anti-social behaviour, although an ex-soldier at the camp denied the claims.

The Royal British Legion has now got in contact with the former private, Jake, in the hope of finding him accommodation.

Readers have also donated to an online Just Giving page in a bid to rehouse those living at the camp.

Jake, who drove Warrior armoured vehicles in Afghanistan's Helmand Province in 2009, said: "I'm happy to know that there's decent people out there and that this has been brought up.

"I want help for the other lot to get rehoused too. These people are quite old, I'm a young lad, they need more help.

"It's not fair just me getting housed because I'm ex-army."

Jake, who joined the army aged 16, said he was recently put up in a hotel in Kidderminster for four days.

The ex-soldier, originally from Birmingham, claims he had to leave because the council only paid for him to stay for a few nights.

He added that he also lacked the money to get back and forth to benefit appointments, in Worcester.

However, Pablo Snow, founder of Worcester's Tommy Atkins Centre, which helped Jake secure the accommodation, claims he left after one day, which Jake denies.

The 27-year-old, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, said he fell into homelessness after his relationship broke down in 2013.

He added that after a long period of sofa-surfing, he ended up on the streets last summer.

His father died when he was 10, his step-father passed away a couple of months ago and he is no longer in touch with his mother.

He was convicted of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend in 2011.

Katie Humphries, case officer for the Royal British Legion in Worcestershire, said: "The Royal British Legion has now made contact with Jake and aims to assist him with accommodation as a priority. We will then make positive steps towards supporting any further needs Jake has, with his collaboration."

To donate to help house the camp go on bit.ly/2Qqj4tB