An 81-year-old Edgware man is “over the moon” at news he will not be evicted from the home he has lived in his whole life.

Vic Renvoize was given six months to move out of his Gervase Road council house after his sister’s death in January left him as the sole tenant.

Barnet Homes initially told the former postman he could not stay in the three-bedroom house on his own and would have to move out once he had converted the tenancy to his own name.

The ultimatum left the grieving pensioner “devastated”.

But after the story was broken by the Times Series last week and BBC radio picked up on Vic’s plight, the housing association has reversed its decision.

A housing officer visited Vic, who has never married, at his home on Friday and delivered the good news.

He said: ““I was over the moon. A few days ago I thought I was certain to be kicked out. Now I can go along to get the tenancy and know I won’t have to move.

“The woman apologised for the way I was treated. The woman who phoned me up originally went by the book apparently but they said I can stay here.

“They even gave me a number for a fellow to come and help me clean the house if I want and some information about coffee mornings at this rest home nearby.

“She offered me an emergency button as well – she was really nice, really understanding.”

Vic also thanked his neighbour and friend Donna Hinds who first brought the situation to the newspapers attention.

Her concern about Vic, who used to attend the nearby Goldbeaters School, prompted the media coverage that led to the housing association’s decision.

Barnet Homes chief executive Tracey Lees said: “We have met Mr Renvoize and assured him that he can remain in his home.

“The allocations policy we work to is based on the shortage of decent size council homes in Barnet, as elsewhere in London. We have to take into account the number of families living in unsuitable and temporary accommodation, and particularly the impact this can have on children.

“In Mr Renvoize’s case, we are more than happy to exercise discretion, based on his health, age and the length of time he has lived at the property. We apologise again to him for the anxiety he felt about his housing situation.

“We have also offered to provide him additional support, including our Assist alarm system for extra reassurance.”