HOMELESS Richard Miner, who lives in a battered Citroen AX car, said today he soon hoped to have a proper roof over his head after being offered a job.

The Evening Press reported the 39-year-old kept all his worldly possessions on the back seat, shaved in the rear-view mirror, and bedded down on the driver's seat every night wrapped in a waterproof smock.

Mr Miner, a theatre technician by trade, who is living on benefits, said he was made homeless after being evicted from a flat in Womersley, near Selby, because of non-payment of rent brought about by a number of personal difficulties.

He parks in excluded laybys and supermarket forecourts across the city at night and uses caf toilets to wash in.

But since we ran the article, Mr Miner said a childhood friend had got in contact and let him sleep on his sofa for a couple of nights. He had since been offered technician work by him, which he hoped would change his luck.

"The article brought a few people out of the woodwork," he said.

"Getting the job offer is very positive and things are looking a bit better.

"I hope to have a roof over my head as soon as possible."

Mr Miner said he was "upset and angry" after reading letters in the Evening Press which questioned whether he had car tax and insurance, and advised him to buy an estate car as they were comfier to sleep in.

"I was shocked by the attitude of some people," he said.

"There is a lack of Christian charity. I didn't plan to live in my car - it's not exactly comfortable. They are assuming I'm enjoying this.

"I know millions of motorists don't, but I've been driving for 21 years and I'm really meticulous about the legality of it.

"People assume that just because I'm homeless I'm breaking the law."

Mr Miner previously made an application to City of York Council for accommodation, but was rejected because he did not meet the right criteria.

He was also accused of being aggressive and violent towards staff - a claim he strongly denies.

Updated: 10:19 Monday, May 16, 2005