A man has decided to start helping the homeless by collecting unwanted items of clothing and food in an attempt to change the town.

Marc Brownstein, 40, of Torworth Road, in Borehamwood, is combating homelessness after seeing an increase number of people sleeping rough.

After being homeless himself Mr Brownstein wants to give something back to the community and is looking for donations to give to those who need it most.

He said: “I want to give something back to the community.

“There is nowhere for the homeless in Borehamwood to go to keep warm. In Watford and St Albans there are places for them to sleep and keep warm but nothing in Borehamwood.

“I want this to change and think Borehamwood needs to have somewhere for them to go.”

Mr Brownstein was homeless a few years ago and found himself sleeping in his car. It was not until a friend took him in and gave him some help and advice.

While homeless Mr Brownstein realised there was nowhere for rough sleepers to go to during the winter months in particular.

He said: “The council said there is not a homeless problem in Borehamwood but I believe there is. People are sleeping in garages, in the streets and parks.

“When people are giving something to the homeless it makes them smile as they know there are people who care. That means a lot to people.”

A group of volunteers are helping Mr Brownstein with his initiative and he is planning to make T-shirts for them to wear.

Already people have started donating to his cause and Mr Brownstein and the rest of the group are hoping more people get in touch so they can branch out across Borehamwood and other areas.

Mr Brownstein has set up a Facebook group called Help the Homeless in Borehamwood and anyone who is wanting to get involved can contact him on there.