RUSSELL Brand visited Slough to hold a signing of his latest book, and to support homeless charity, Slough Homeless Our Concern (SHOC), with which he has worked closely in the past.

Mr Brand was promoting his new book, ‘Recovery: Freedom from our Addictions” which is about the comedian’s own 13-year struggle with addiction, taking the form of a re-write of the famous ‘12 Steps’.

Chapter 2 of the book is dedicated to SHOC, which Mr Brand has supported closely. Mandy McGuire, the director of SHOC, said: “One of our ladies, Vicky, met him on her journey - and he wanted to come along.

“He came to our Big Sleep-out, which raised £180,000, and will be back again this year.

“It was great for us to read about his journey - he inspires our clients.

“Addiction can happen to anybody, rich or poor. Many people think it’s usually addicts that become homeless, but I’ve known far more homeless people who have become addicts.”

Speaking to the Observer, Mr Brand said: “Vicky got me involved - the charity does amazing work for vulnerable people, people that are so easy to ignore because we think we are different to them.

“I think we have all experienced addiction in some way, even if its through family or friends.

“The work done by SHOC, supporting people who are less fortunate, is so important.”

A number of clients of SHOC were present at the event, who were auctioning off artwork they had created in art classes run by the charity.

Rose Elliman, 34, from Hayes, said: “I really enjoyed the art classes. SHOC has been there for me ever since I was a teenager; it’s amazing all the help they provide. My heart always goes out to them for what they do - letting homeless people know there is hope out there for them.”