Homeless man who lives in woods given a new job and fresh start in emotional viral video

'I just can't believe it's happened,' says Tony Newman. 'I feel blessed'

A homeless man whose tent was burned by youths, has been offered a new job.

“I was in a very low place, my life fell apart,” said Tony Newman , who was forced to live in woods in Tameside, Greater Manchester after losing his job as a truck driver.

The moment the 51-year-old was offered a new post has now gone viral online. Mr Newman appeared lost for words and starts to well up as he realises he is being given a potential fresh start.

Bosses at Premier Waste Services, based in Hyde, asked Mr Newman to take a post as yard operator after meeting him at a homeless charity.

Manager Craig Perry told The Independent he took the chance because “everyone deserves a break in life”.

He said: “We had the opportunity to help Tony turn his life around and we wanted to pursue that. He’s got a good attitude. I’m sure he’ll fit right in.”

Reflecting on the new chance, Mr Newman said: “I'm excited, I'm nervous. It's so lovely. I don't want to get it wrong. I just can't believe it's happened. I feel blessed."

The pair were first introduced at the headquarters of Manchester's Sandwich Angels - which feeds the homeless.

The former truck driver was volunteering after the charity had helped him get a new tent when his first was destroyed.

Founder Christina Howard said: "When I first met Tony, he was really down and out. I started giving him food parcels. I said to him 'what is your dream?' Dreams can come true. Without a dream we have got nothing at all.

"I was crying when he was given the news, all of us were. We were crying with happiness. He's so wonderful."