A YORK businessman struck by the story of a homeless man mugged for £80 only weeks after having all his clothes stolen has stepped in to help change his luck.

Terry Smith, who runs the Classic Cutz Barber Shop, in Fourth Avenue, Tang Hall, said an Evening Press article on the plight of Wayne Robinson spurred him into action.

He has dug into his own pocket and held a collection at his shop to raise money to buy Wayne, who has been living on the streets of York for eight years, a new set of clothes.

He said: "I wanted to show that there are people who are willing to help. Perhaps giving him a fresh set of clothes will help turn his luck around for the future."

The Evening Press reported that a group of thugs attacked Wayne, 39, a qualified joiner, breaking four of his teeth and stealing his benefit money in The Groves last month.

The frightening attack, which left the former drug addict needing hospital treatment, came just weeks after a thief snatched Wayne's bag, containing clothes and blankets, from a public toilet as he washed.

Mr Smith, who has run Classic Cutz for the past ten years, said giving Wayne some new trousers, t-shirts, a shirt and underwear was the least he could do.

He added: "If I can help someone who is in a less fortunate position, then surely it cannot do any harm. He will probably feel better within himself and it might help him get out there and achieve something."

Wayne, who still suffers chest pains from the attack, said he was glad to be able to have his own clothes, rather than second hand ones from a charity shop.

He said: "I've been struggling to save money each week to pay for new clothes and now I have got another set."

Updated: 08:52 Friday, July 18, 2003