A FORMER homeless man is "giving something back" to those who helped and looked after him.

Dusty Brightside, who is now the community group manager for the Bury Homeless Project, is gearing up to take on the Great Manchester Run half marathon for the charity.

Mr Brightside has been volunteering for the Bury Homeless Project since December 2016.

The organisation provides a street kitchen in Manchester as well as providing outreach support to service users in Bury with the aim to get people off the streets and into viable accommodation.

Mr Brightside, from Bury, said: "I love this part of the country and the people so much.

"I have lived on these streets and have worked with the homeless since arriving here in 2016.

"This is a great way to give something back to those who have helped me and looked after me."

Bury Homeless Project is overseen by founder Suzanne Angle, who says the organisation supports people "every step of the way".

Ms Angle said: "The transition from street homelessness back to an indoor lifestyle is a long and complex process and often includes the need to overcome substance dependency and mental health issues.

"Securing appropriate and safe accommodation is the first step on our service users’ journeys and we are here for them every step of the way."

The half marathon — a 13.1-mile run — will take place on Sunday, May 20.

To support Mr Brightside's efforts visit his fundraising page at https://uk.gofundme.com/manchester-half-marathon-2018.

Follow the progress of the group via their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/buryhomelessproj/.