A homeless man has been flooded with money, clothes and food in an amazing display of generosity from well-wishers in Gravesend.

The rough sleeper, known only as Matthew, arrived two weeks ago during bitterly cold temperatures to camp out across the town centre.

His arrival came as some councils, including neighbouring Dartford, triggered emergency measures to provide temporary accommodation to homeless people in response to severe weather.

Storms are forecast to hit the country this weekend.

Despite the harsh conditions, Matthew has benefited from extra food and warmth after striking up friendships with several people who spotted him while out and about in the town.

A fundraising page has been set up to help Matthew which raised £325 in one day while being shared online by more than 50 Facebook users.

One friend is Jim Bell, of Harmer Street, known for his TV appearance on Channel 4’s Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners, who raised the alarm through Facebook.

Jim keeps in regular contact with Matthew, checking up on him up to eight times a day while writing updates and posting pictures on his profile.

He said: “He is a happy chap and it’s clear it has touched people.

“I don’t know if it was because he was on the streets at Christmas when it had been freezing but I didn’t expect the level of support he has received.

“I heard him talking to a couple of girls and he said he couldn’t believe everyone was being so kind.”

Another friend Michele Simmons added: “When I went to see him there a group of teenagers approached him and they gave him sandwiches and a packet of crisps.

“He just sobbed his heart out. He really has been helped out by so many.

“He is a happy chap and it’s clear it has touched people" - Jim Bell

“I’ve helped out because homelessness is close to my heart. My brother was homeless before he passed away so I try to help out as much as I can.”

The cash has not been given to Matthew as well-wishers fear it may make him more vulnerable. Instead they are keeping it in an account while they decide the best way to spend it to help him, whether that be on food, clothes or other items.

Police officers check on Matthew every day while his situation has also been brought to the attention of Gravesham MP Adam Holloway.

Little more is known about him, other than that he arrived on a train from London.

Chris Coffey, head of community services for Kent-based homelessness charity Porchlight, said: "It’s fantastic that the Gravesend community has pulled together to help this man.

"The amount of money raised, in such a short time, gives an indication of the depth of feeling about the issue of homelessness and it’s great to see such positive action being taken."

To make a donation visit the gofundme page.