CONCERNED Vale folk, worried about a vagrant living rough on the streets of Evesham, are now delighted that he has been found a home following a story in the Journal last week.

Traders were worried that the Fred Jacques, who begged in the town in flimsy, filthy clothes, might freeze to death if he was left to sleep under trees or derelict buildings at night to keep warm.

Clean clothes and food were handed over while different authorities were contacted in a vain attempt to find him shelter.

Evesham police arrested Mr Jacques for vagrancy in the hope that the probation service might help him.

But, although the man, who is in his 50s, was found guilty, he was given an absolute discharge and was back on the streets again.

But after the Journal highlighted his case, Mr Jacques has moved to the Birmingham Mission.

Mission worker, Peter Avis, said: "He's safe here and has been heartily tucking into all of his meals."

Evesham's PC Roy Storr said: "Having liaised with housing needs at Wychavon, a place was eventually found for him at the mission in Washington Street.

"The police provided the transport and Mr Jacques will be checked over mentally and physically to enable the staff to assess his needs.

"And because he has a permanent home, he will be able to claim benefits, which should give him some money in his pocket."

PC Storr explained that the situation had been difficult because Mr Jacques had not asked for help and his problems did not officially exist.

Newsagent, Ellen Morrison, from Team News, said: "It's fantastic news. The staff here are thrilled to bits. We couldn't bear the thought that Fred might die of hypothermia when the really cold weather comes."