A HOMELESS man living in a tent not only manages to hold down a full-time job, but is also one of the company's top workers.

Neil Jones, 47, pitched his canvas in a secret location two miles outside Taunton three weeks ago and hopes to save enough money for a deposit on a rented flat in the next six weeks.

He sleeps in the tent during the day and gets up in the evening to catch the bus to work as a picker at the Argos warehouse in Bridgwater.

"It's not ideal living in a tent and working," said Neil, who came over the border from Devon to live in Taunton in 2007.

"Once I finish work, I get back to Taunton at around 7am and go to Open Door (a charity supporting homeless people) for a shower and something to eat.

"Then it's back to my tent for seven hours' sleep before going to work again."

Neil takes home £320 a week, but struggles to save towards the £1,000 he needs for a deposit.

He added: "It's pretty restricted living in a tent - I haven't got cooking facilities or electricity so have to buy food in the supermarkets and get friends to charge my phone for me.

"I pitched my tent where no-one can find it on public land and it's well camouflaged. I don't have time to take it down before going to work and I was worried what would happen to it if people knew where it was.

"A lot of homeless people are happy enough sleeping in shop doorways, but that's no use to me.

"My immediate manager at work knows I live in a tent. He says he's sorry, but he's OK about it.

"My work rate is right up there at the top - I'm certain I'm the number one picker in the warehouse.

"The job keeps me fit because it involves a lot of walking and I go pretty quick."

Neil has spent time living in Lindley House, run by homeless charity Arc, previously lived in a one-bed flat until his contract expired and has also sofa surfed in friends' homes.

"I don't blame anyone for my situation," he said. "I don't do drugs and only drink occasionally, but it's just the way it is.

"My family live in North Yorkshire and London and are supportive, but there's not a lot they're able to do to help."