A homeless man in Crayford who was inundated with offers to get him back on his feet has moved into a flat and is in work after a social media post to help him went viral.

Lee Stevens and his dog Roxy had been living out of a tent near Crayford station before dog groomer Paula Haines opened her home to him and took to Facebook to ask for help.

Paula appealed for the public to help Lee find a job and home furnishings as he was preparing to move into a room in shared housing.

Paula, 37, said: “I first met Lee near Pets at Home in Crayford because of his dog. I stopped and spoke to him and said I would wash his dog for nothing.

“I saw him again and he said he was hoping to be getting a room in a house, and he was going to go and get the keys.

“I asked him to come to my house and I washed his dog, Roxy was quite nervous because she hadn’t been apart from Lee, they’ve spent their lives together almost.

“Lee had a shower and a shave, he looked a new man.

“He had dinner, shepherd’s pie, and he said little things like just eating at a table meant a lot to him.”

Paula, who owns ScallyWags in Merewood Road, asked for spare furnishings to help Lee settle into his new home.

Paula’s post on sparked a “crazy” response, with people offering food, clothes, sofas, televisions and even job opportunities for Lee.

People offered Lee opportunities as a labourer to help him get his life back on track.

Paula said: “It has been crazy. I just went out to do some shopping and I came back and there was a bag of clothes by my door. People from across the country have messaged me about sending vouchers, it is humbling.

“Lee is an intelligent guy who is just down on his luck. He is so kind and whenever you offer him something, he is so hesitant and says 'are you sure, is that ok?', he is a very kind man.

“It is nice that people have taken a minute to help him, we are all so busy and get on with our lives. I am blown away by people's kindness."

Lee was left in limbo for a week as there was confusion with his paperwork as he prepared to move into shared accommodation.

However Lee began working and after making a good impression was offered regular work and little after a week after Paula's original post, Lee managed to put the donations to good use.

Lee, who was homeless for about a year, has now moved in to his own studio flat - complete with the donations of sofas, televisions and other items donated by strangers.

On August 14, Paula said online: "Hope you will remember the amazing response I got from everyone. Lee & Roxy have been inundated with donations and he is so overwhelmed strangers wanted to help him.

"He got his keys today after work and is so very proud of himself. He has some of his stuff that was donated and I will deliver the rest over the weekend."

Speaking to News Shopper, Lee said about the public's reaction: "It was really shocking. It is strange coming home to a flat, I am still trying to get used to it.

"All I would say is just thank you, thank you for all your help. Thank you."

Lee said that although he has landed on his feet, it is important to remember that there are still other rough sleepers.

Homelessness charity Crisis predicted at 76 per cent rise in rough sleepers by 2026.

Research found that an estimated 9,100 people were sleeping rough in 2016.

People in Facebook group Bexleyheath News and Gossip have since wished Lee and Roxy well with their fresh start.

One said: "One act of kindness can start the ball rolling, well done to all that made this happen and congratulations to Lee and Roxy."

Another said: "I am in New Zealand and was following your story. Glad with the happy ending. Good on you, you are awesome - best wishes to Roxy and Lee!"