WITNESSES in the Edward Highwood murder trial have been speaking of the victim's "kindness and generosity".

On day three of the Old Bailey trial, the jury heard from regular visitors to Deptford's 999 Club which provides food and clothing for homeless and vulnerable people.

It is at this club that Mr Highwood met Marcin Orlowski, the man accused of his murder.

Francis Cook has been attending the club for around five years and often used to chat to the 79-year-old homosexual before he was killed in his home in Hollymount Close, Blackheath, in July last year.

Mr Cook told jurors: “He was a very outgoing man and was very kind and generous. He would often offer to help people out.

“He would bring treats in like chocolates and cakes and sweets – little stuff like that.”

The witness added: “He has sometimes given money to people in the past – not to me personally – and always small sums.

“I liked him, he was very nice.”

Later the court heard from Andrzey Dudala, a Polish immigrant who also attends the 999 Club on a regular basis.

Giving evidence, he said: “Sometimes he was generous enough to leave in my hand a couple of pounds to spend on tobacco. He would do it quite discreetly.”

Club visitor Andrew Rogerson was also called to speak about Mr Highwood, known to his friends as 'Teddy'.

He said: “I wouldn't say that Teddy exploited anyone – ever.”

Homeless Orlowski, aged 20, denies murdering Mr Highwood.

He claims he was provoked into hitting the pensioner with a glass vase because of his unwanted sexual advances.

The trial continues.