Photographer Josh King, 26, who spent a year taking pictures of people living rough in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, has opened his first exhibition following the project. On the Street has opened at the town's Gallery 150.

Mr King, an amateur photographer, became interested in homelessness after speaking to a man busking in Stratford-upon-Avon five years ago. "He had suffered from anxiety and depression, which I have also suffered from," he said. "But without a support network he ended up on the street. I had my family to support me."

One of his subject's, Andy, said homelessness could happen to anyone. "Literally overnight. People say they are only one pay cheque from being homeless themselves," he said.

Proceeds raised by the exhibition - on until 10 February - will go to The Leamington Way Ahead project, which is part of the Salvation Army.

Sully, who has lived on the streets for a number of years, said it was "cold, freezing and tedious" and that he begged for money to survive.

Mr King, who works for a camera retailer, said he spoke to people left homeless due to a range of problems, including relationship breakdowns, mental health problems as well as ex-military people who had encountered difficulties after leaving the services.

Mr King believes many people turn to alcohol and drugs to cope with living rough.

Warwick District Council said it believed there are currently 11 people sleeping on the streets in Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth. The council said it had arrangements in place to provide accommodation for people sleeping rough in severe weather conditions.