Two kind-hearted volunteers helped weather-proof a disused toilet where a homeless man has been bedding down - to keep him warm over Christmas.

Rough sleeper Lee McCormac sought refuge in the abandoned building in Greenfield, Oldham, after moving out of Manchester city centre where he was regularly attacked while sleeping.

And after befriending Lee, for the last three months Rob Mark, 25, has been visiting the rough sleeper to keep him company and bring him food and essentials.

While on his visits Rob, of Buckton Vale Road, Stalybridge, regularly noticed Lee struggling in the cold, harsh conditions as the shelter had no windows or door.

So Rob and his friend Nick Palmer, 28, decided to take action and spent a day installing a door and other fittings so Lee can stay warm in the building he now calls ‘home’, which is opposite The Clarence pub, on Chew Valley Road.

The two good Samaritans have now been praised by police and the public after their charitable deed was shared online.

Rob, who works at a car showroom, said: “I first met Lee when I was out driving after my dad passed away. He had terminal cancer and we lost him only a few months after we heard his diagnosis – it was very tough.

“I went out in the car to clear my head and saw Lee living in the shelter. I am the kind of guy that always tries to help the homeless so stopped to see if he was ok and we started chatting.

“Since that moment about three months ago I would regularly pop by to keep him company and bring him food and other things he needed, but on my visits I noticed he was always cold and wet.

“So yesterday myself and Nick, my brother-in-law, decided to get our toolkits out and do something to help. The old toilet was completely exposed to the elements so we put a door on with a lock, and windows so Lee is warmer while inside.”

While the pair carried out their DIY mission local officers popped by to congratulate them on their philanthropic deed. And GMP Saddleworth also shared a picture showing the improvements being made on the building.

Rob said: “The support we have had from everyone is amazing, and I hope what we did will inspire others to do something kind for someone in need.

“To be honest losing my dad was a big shock and it hit me hard – luckily he managed to hold on to see his granddaughter being born a couple of weeks ago. But I know that he would be proud to see what myself and Nick did to help Lee which is a nice thought.

“It has been great as the whole community around here have been visiting Lee and helping him. Now hopefully he can get more help to get back on his feet and find somewhere more permanent.”