Homeless man becomes a superhero sign cleaner

A former homeless man has turned community superhero by cleaning dirty road signs across Surrey while dressed as Batman.

Liam Keen said he got the idea a few years ago after finding himself living in a van with his dog following a split from his partner.

He added that he set up his costumed community cleaning project as thanks for the support he was shown by the local Guildford community during that low point in his life.

"I decided the best way to pay them back for their kindness was to pay it forward," said Keen.

He explained that he ended up sleeping in a van with his dog Angel while dealing with a relationship breakdown and a chronic illness.

"It was winter time and I was really struggling - on top of which my dog decided to have herself five puppies," he said.

"I barely had enough money to keep the vehicle heated and put food on the table."

It was then that residents from Normandy, Ash and Ash Vale started to rally around, he added.

"Honestly, they blew me away with their offers of work and help with the dogs," he said. "They really got me back on my feet."

"So I'd go out every morning to pick up litter or clean graffiti and road signs.

"People got to hear about it and I ended up winning an award from the mayor for services to the community."

He added that the idea of dressing up as Batman came after he and his 'partner in grime' Dennis Rawlings - AKA Robin - were described as "superheroes" by one passerby.

"I'm just trying to repay a debt and make the place a bit better and brighter," said Keen.

"We wear the costumes to help draw attention to what we do, and besides, life's too short not to have a laugh."

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