A DISABLED pensioner forced to leave his home after a mugging has picked up the keys to his new house paid for by well-wishers.

Frail Alan Barnes suffered a broken collarbone in the attack in January which left him fearful to return to his Gateshead bungalow.

But an online appeal to help him move launched by beautician Katie Cutler raised more than £330,000 after his story touched hearts around the world.

At lunchtime today, the 67-year-old picked up the keys to his new £150,000 two-bedroom terraced home in Low Fell.

Mr Barnes said: “I am really happy about it.

“I have put the money to good use – I have bought a nice home to live in and I want to say thank you for what people have done for me.

"Thank you doesn't seem to sum it up, but basically that is all I can say, I'm a bit overwhelmed and I'm just getting used to the idea of having a home of my own to live in."

Mr Barnes has used more of the money raised for him by generous well-wishers to buy furniture, which is due to arrive tomorrow as he makes a new start in his new home.

He said: "It's fantastic to finally be in the house after all this time.

"I was living a bit further up the hill before but this house is better and more handy when I need to go the Co-op and the shops.

"I haven't shown Katie the house yet but I'm looking forward to telling her about it.

"It's lovely to have my independence back. I'm looking forward to seeing the locals again and having a chat with them."

Shortly after the mugging, Mr Barnes said he was considering buying a house in the Greenside area of Gateshead, close to where Miss Cutler lives.

Instead, he has opted for the Victorian terrace, which boasts an outside barbecue area and a modern kitchen and large bathroom, about 15 minutes’ walk from his old home.

He said: “I'm looking forward to having a bit of time to myself now, even though I do enjoy the attention.

"I think I'll go for a walk tonight round the area and get my bearings again.

"I've had a couple of visitors and my sister brought me over today, to help me move in. It has been a busy day.

"I'm very grateful still to everyone who helped me get this house, especially Katie”.

Last month, the 21-year-old mother-of-one launched the Katie Cutler Foundation, dedicated to raising £1m for deserving causes by September.

Earlier this month, Richard Gatiss, of Split Crow Road in Gateshead, was jailed for four years at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to assault with intent to rob.