A homeless man is back on the streets selling the Big Issue only weeks after his determination to turn his life round won him a job at a top Ilkley hotel.

Mark Moakes's perseverance and attitude so impressed David Denton, general manager of the Craiglands Hotel, that he offered him a job as he stood at his pitch in The Grove.

The 32-year-old took up his offer and started work as a kitchen porter - a post which included accommodation - at the hotel last month.

But he has now decided to move on and is staying with friends while waiting for a place at a hostel and is selling the Big Issue in Leeds city centre.

Bryn Hoyle, vendor support team leader for the Big Issue In The North Trust in Leeds, said: "Although he really appreciated the opportunity he was given at the hotel and was enjoying the work he decided it just wasn't really for him.

"Basically I think things might just have happened slightly too fast for him and that's why it didn't work out.

"I think he was missing his customers as well and he is now looking forward to getting himself a regular pitch and a set of customers again.

"It's possible he might return to Ilkley - he had a great time there and really appreciated all the support he got from his customers.

"But he still wants to ultimately get a full-time job and his own place to live - he's on our two-year training programme aimed at building up the skills to enable him to live a 'normal' life and is even thinking of going to college.''

A spokesman for the Craiglands Hotel said: "He was here for about two-and-a-half weeks.

"There were no problems and I think he just decided the job wasn't for him.''

Mr Moakes hit the headlines earlier this year when he paid tribute to the generosity shown by people in Ilkley.

Just months earlier he had been living on the streets after being made homeless following a row with his partner.

He had said taking a pitch selling the Big Issue in Ilkley was helping him to rebuild his life.

He said: "The generosity and kindness they have shown me has helped tremendously.''

"The people are absolutely brilliant in this town.

"Some people buy the magazine and I know I have already sold them one but they'll buy another one just a couple of days later to help me out.

"It makes me feel good that there are people out there who are willing to help."