A KIND Halesowen pensioner has opened up his home to help struggling teenagers sleeping rough to find their feet again.

Leslie Hardwick has become the oldest YMCA Nightstop Host to assist vulnerable teenagers at the grand age of 88.

He will provide emergency short term accommodation for young people who are down on their luck and find themselves on town streets.

Mr Hardwick is a father-of-six, with his offspring aged between 48 and 60, while he also has eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He also has years of experience working with young people and decided to apply to the project after hearing about it in his Church on homeless Sunday.

The YMCA Black Country group’s Open Door project provides both long term supported lodgings accommodation and short-term emergency accommodation and has host families across the area.

Project Manager Rachael Taylor said “Our Hosts come from a diverse range of backgrounds and Les is our oldest Host so far.

“He has plenty of wisdom and life experience and will be able to provide a safe, warm place for Young People in their time of need.”

The charity said it also needs more hosts to follow in Mr Hardwick’s footsteps both for long term supported lodgings and emergency Nightstop accommodation for vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds.

A spokesman said hosts come from a variety of different backgrounds, from single people to married couples and families with children.

They receive over a hundred pounds per week for providing supported lodgings while Nightstop hosts can claim £20 per night in expenses for providing dinner, bed and breakfast. Full training and support is provided by the YMCA.

Anyone with a spare room and who would like to book on to the course or get more information can email jonathan.crust@ymcabc.org.uk or call 0121 524 1974.