Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman heard some compelling stories of what it is like to be homeless when visiting a Canning Town charity.

The BBC journalist met with residents of Anchor House in Barking Road during a visit to the centre, where he is helping to raise more than �9.3million to redevelop an award winning residential/life skills facility.

Mr Paxman, who is a patron of the homeless charity, said: “What struck me most was how these amazing people, who have obviously been through quite a lot in their lives, have not given up and now have huge ambitions for the future.

“I think it’s great, inspiring actually.

“They are addressing the root causes of their problems and they now have plans for the future.”

Keith Fernett, Anchor House director, said he was very excited to have Mr Paxman on board.

“Jeremy is a strong advocate of finding long-term solutions to homelessness and we are very pleased to have his support,” he said.

“Our mission is to build a 21st century building with a purpose-built block of 25 move-on studio flats, workshops, a new catering training facility, leisure and recreational areas.”

For more information or to donate online, visit www.anchorhouseuk.org