A carer, who helped clear out a home filled to the rafters with newspapers and household items, is leading a new self-help group starting today.

Andy Honey helped hoarder Richard Wallace to clear his home in Westcott, Surrey, in Channel Four documentary Obsessive Compulsive Hoarder aired in 2011.

Mr Wallace’s garden had become a dumping ground for rubbish, and his house was so full of cardboard, newspapers and plastic bottles that he couldn't get to his bath was completely covered and he had to crawl to get though his kitchen door.

Mr Honey is now joining Patrick Wolter, chief executive of charity Mary Frances Trust, and consultant clinical psychologist Sophie Holmes to lead the group in Leatherhead.

Mr Honey said he was excited by the prospect, adding: "I know from experience that people do benefit from meeting others in the same situation.

"This will be so beneficial as we will be able to cover all aspects for people who hoard, and their relatives, carers and friends."

Mr Wolter said media coverage had increased awareness of compulsive hoarding but it often went unrecognised.

He said: "Hoarding is a complex disorder which has been hidden for many years. Many people remain undiagnosed and do not receive appropriate support."

Ms Holmes said: "Hoarding can be very debilitating but people can avoid seeking help out of embarrassment and a fear of being judged or simply because they feel overwhelmed.

"Coming to terms with having a mental health problem is never easy so we’ve set up this self-help support group to show people that support is out there and that they’re not alone."

The Hoarding Self Help Support group is meeting tonight at 7pm at the Mary Frances Trust’s headquarters the Leatherhead Clubhouse.

The group will then meet at the Leatherhead Clubhouse, 23 the Crescent, Leatherhead, on the second Thursday each month.

To join call the Mary Frances Trust on 01372 375 400 or email info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk.