A man who turned the other cheek when a homeless man shouted racist slurs at him has since helped his abuser find a home and work.

Aminur Chowdhury hopes his forgiving nature and the subsequent turn-around of Ben Gallon’s attitude will help educate others.

The 30-year-old was racially abused by Mr Gallon, 27, outside the Delius pub, Claremont, Bradford on May 14. But rather than retaliate or ignore Mr Gallon, he instead talked to, and had a drink, with him.

Mr Chowdhury has since helped Mr Gallon secure a job as a phone operative and found him a rented flat.

“This is a great way of teaching Asian people across Bradford of how to respond to racism. The more love you show, the more endeared they will be to you.

“I’m proud of my upbringing and I’m a proud Bradfordian and Englishman,” said Mr Chowdhury, of Manningham Lane.

“I was targeted for racist abuse but a great way of overcoming racism is to show some tolerance.

“Initially I turned the other cheek but then I was challenging Ben about what he had said to me, I stopped and had a chat with him for about 15 minutes. I went back to see him the following day to tell him he had been offered a job. I care for him. It’s a positive story.

“I could tell when I stopped to talk to Ben that he was a passionate guy.

“I realise I can’t put the world to rights but I can try to educate people.

“Ben’s life is changing and changing for the better and long may it continue.

“Ben is a delight to be with. He’s not a bad guy.

“I want this story to send a message to the Bradford community in general.”

Mr Gallon, 27, who had been homeless since March this year, said: “I’ve learned my lesson. What I said was completely out of character for me, I’m not a racist.

“There was no justification for me using those words.

“Kudos to him for forgiving me, I regret it. A positive thing has happened out of this situation.

“I was worse for drink when I made those comments.

“I didn’t think anything of it when he said he could get me a job, but he drove me to the interview and I got it.

“Things are starting to look up for me. I’ve started the job and it’s fantastic.”