A HOMELESS man who had his belongings burnt in a suspected arson attack has become the focal point for a new art project in Accrington.

John Walsh, known as Johnno, has been in the public eye after his belongings were set alight in Water Street last year.

After word got out about the fire, kind-hearted people from across Hyndburn began to offer items to help replace those which Mr Walsh lost.

Since then he has been heavily involved with Maundy Relief’s new art project ‘Streets Ahead’ which aims to raise awareness about homelessness in the town.

The artwork collection has a centrepiece which mirrors a famous mural by Banksy on the issue, with the words ‘keep your coins, we want change’ painted on the canvas.

The art has been chosen to be exhibited at Accrington Library on Monday, October 24, and will be at the venue for a month.

Sarah Stephenson, who represents the Maundy Relief Art Group, said: “We’ve had around 15 to 20 people help out where they could and the artwork is a great focal point for bringing awareness to what it’s like being homeless in Accrington.

“While Accrington may not have as many homeless people as places like Manchester, we still have homeless people, and Johnno is one of the best you could meet.

“He is one of the most wonderful, charming, kind and helpful people you’ll ever meet.

“When you meet him you can’t believe that sadly he’s lost his way and lives on the streets.

“He’s been one of the biggest contributors to the Streets Ahead collaboration of artwork and he’s always approached things with a can-do attitude.

“He’s definitely been a big part of why we’ve secured an exhibition at Accrington Library in October.”

County Cllr Clare Pritchard, who represents Accrington North on Lancashire County Council, said: “I think it’s absolutely wonderful that Johnno has got himself involved with Maundy Relief and it’s very impressive that the artwork will be exhibited at the library.

“Hopefully someone could buy that artwork and Johnno could get himself out of the situation he is in.”