A homeless window cleaner who won a place in the hearts of Richmond residents has been offered a helping hand to find a home.

Richard Dipple, 63, has been living on a park bench in Richmond Green for several weeks after becoming homeless when the owner of his Richmond Hill home died.

At the request of concerned neighbours, who live alongside the Green, the Richmond and Twickenham Times highlighted Mr Dipple’s plight.

Richmond Council and homelessness charity Spear have both pledged to help him find emergency housing and a permanent home.

Councillor Nicola Urquhart, Richmond’s cabinet member for adult services and housing, said: “We are aware of Mr Dipple’s situation. We were contacted by a concerned member of the public three weeks ago and both the council and Spear tried to find him to offer help, but without success.

“If Mr Dipple would like to come in to the Civic Centre in Twickenham, I’m sure we would be able to help him.

“His age means he’s a high priority case and, while he would need to be assessed in the same way as other homeless people, we would provide emergency housing for him in the short term while that was being done.”

Mr Dipple has not yet decided if he feels ready to officially register as homeless but is considering the council’s offer of help.