A HOMELESS teenager living with autism and Tourette’s has turned his fortunes around to secure himself a home and a job.

Nick Lord, 19, found himself on the streets in winter but knew he wanted to find work and have a permanent roof over his head.

The teenager approached The Stages Academy, in Middlesbrough, in December and was enrolled on a The Prince’s Trust course.

Following a successful interview, Mr Lord completed a four-week work placement with Marks and Spencer to fulfil his ambitions of working in retail.

He said: “Natalie Banks put me on to the course, which I was reluctant to do but I decided that I didn’t want to sit around doing nothing.

“At the store I worked in the food hall and menswear, although I enjoyed the food hall most of all because of the fast-paced environment and spent most of my placement working there.”

The retail store held a celebration at the end of the placement and Mr Lord was presented with his certificates from the CEO of the retail giant and offered a 12-week contract working in the food hall.

“Getting a job has given me more confidence, and has helped me meet new people,” he added.