Firefighter David Glendenning was revealed yesterday as the good samaritan who came to the aid of a homeless couple after their large tent was destroyed in a blaze.

He was in a fire crew called to the outbreak at Barnard Castle, Co Durham - and then he quietly returned on his own to give Kevin and Susan Howe a replacement tent.

The couple, who have camped on the banks of the River Tees for nearly five months, were so overcome by his generosity that they forgot to get his name.

But after being told it by The Northern Echo yesterday Mrs Howe said: "We will now send him our heartfelt thanks. We would be suffering badly now but for his wonderful gift."

Mr Glendenning, who lives in the town and rushes to the fire station when an alarm sounds for the retained crew, said: "I really felt for the couple after seeing their tent and belongings destroyed.

"A few days later I heard they were still living at the riverside, but in a tiny tent. I had a large six-berth one to spare, so I went down and put it up for them. I was glad to be able to help."

But he said he never expected his gesture to be made public - and he was too modest to have his photograph taken.

A spokesman for the Durham County fire and rescue service said: "It is excellent to hear of someone in the service acting in such a public spirited way." A friend of Mr Glendenning said: "It is typical of him to do a good deed like this and keep quiet about it."

The couple, who were evicted by a housing association for rent arrears, have also been given a blanket and clothing by another Barnard Castle resident, Heather Mitchell.

Mr Howe, 45, a former soldier, said they now have their finances in order and hope to get a roof over their heads before winter. Note to desk: I'll hand in pic of couple at new tent this afternoon.