A MULTI-millionaire property tycoon who pledged thousands of pounds to local charities while starring in an undercover television documentary has returned to North Devon.

Kevin Green, 45, visited the area as part of Channel 4 series Secret Millionaire, in which he gave £69,000 to three charities.

The Amber Foundation in Chawleigh, Barnstaple Poverty Action Group (BPAG) and Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), based at Little Bridge House in Fremington, were the chosen beneficiaries.

Now Mr Green, who owns an empire of more than 260 properties, has returned to the Amber Foundation six months after the show to monitor the success of his donations.

"It is amazing coming back here and seeing all the work in place," said Mr Green.

"But what is more wonderful is seeing the Amber Foundation and BPAG coming together and working towards the same goal.

"So many charities work for the same thing, but do so separately. Through the programme, the two have joined forces, for the benefit of those they are helping."

The Amber Foundation, to which Mr Green gave £20,000 for computer facilities and a gym, is a haven for young homeless people to turn their lives around.

Barnstaple Poverty Action Group (BPAG), to which the Welsh millionaire gave £12,000 also works with homelessness.

"I think I will be returning to Amber for the rest of my life," said Mr Green.

" It's an incredible place and I have grown to love it. I was also homeless in the past — and I am therefore a good example to the guys here.

"They see my Aston Martin and it does wonders to inspire them."

Mr Green also aims to raise £10,000 for the Amber Foundation when he runs the London Marathon.

He will run alongside Adele Wilkins, the mother of 13-year-old Shannon, who swam with dolphins in Florida, thanks to money given by Mr Green to the CHSW.

The alleged negative manner in which the programme was edited caused controversy when it was aired — with MP Nick Harvey branding the show as "unnecessarily negative."

Mr Green said: "The problems in Barnstaple needed highlighting. This area has high levels of poverty, which many do not realise.

"I understand people's concerns. But my view is that Barnstaple will be a better place because of the way it was filmed. I do not think people would have listened if Channel 4 had not put the point across so strongly."