A homeless man has been left overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who have raised hundreds of pounds to help him off the streets of Newcastle.
James Williams has spent several years sleeping rough in doorways in Newcastle city centre after falling on hard times.
But despite his difficult situation, the 43-year-old is determined to stay positive and makes colourful friendship bracelets to raise funds for a bed for the night.
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"I have been on and off the streets since 2017," James said.
"I make friendship bracelets to help me get a room and sometimes I stop at friends and sofa surf. [The reaction I get from people is really] positive.
"They say I'm an inspiration and to, 'keep up the good work because what you are doing is so beautiful.'"
James, who can be found selling his bracelets near Primark on Northumberland Street or by Grey's Monument, has even been known to give his bracelets away for free in the hope of making people smile - as Wallsend mum, Saoirse Havelaar, discovered.
The 19-year-old and her partner Reece Mitchell, 24, struck up a friendship with James around two weeks ago after spotting him out in the cold one night and giving him a blanket. Since then, the pair have been visiting James almost daily to give him food and essentials.
"Every few days we bring him some food and buy him meals and my boyfriend brought him some clothes," Saoirse said.
"Even if people can't afford his bracelets he will give them away. He is really kind.
"He was tearing up when we brought him some food. Everyone knows him and they talk about how nice he is and everyone knows he is a nice person.
"He needs to make £18 to go to a place to spend the night and if he sells enough bracelets he goes there."
Now the pair have launched a Go Fund Me page in the hope of raising some money to help James back on his feet - and in just four days their efforts have raised £300. The pair have already handed over £200 to James and hope to raise as much as possible to help James on his way.
"We set a Go Fund Me Page for him and raised £300," Saoirse said.
"He has a place to stay now for a week and food so he is doing much better already."
James, who says he is using the money to stay at Budget Hotel in Newcastle each night, has been left overwhelmed by the couple's kindness.
"I think it is absolutely fantastic, amazing," he said.
"It takes a [good] heart and soul to do something like what she has done."
To donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/james-and-his-friendship-bracelets
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