WIRRAL families appeared on a Channel 5 television show about people on benefits struggling to make ends meet.

"On Benefits: Breadline Scousers" aired last night and featured people from Birkenhead, New Brighton and Wallasey who receive welfare.

Joe, 54, a former security guard from Wallasey had been relying on the state for more than 15 years along with his partner Angela due to ill health.

He suffers from sleep apnoea and has had two benign tumours removed from his leg and his spine.

They receive £1,400 a month.

After a three year wait to find an adapted bungalow, Joe and Angela got the keys to move into a new home, giving Joe back his independence.

Joe said: “As the song goes, things can only get better.”

Wirral Globe: Jimmy can't work on a Friday or Saturday due to his religious beliefs. Picture: Channel 5

Down the Mersey Jimmy, 57, from New Brighton was sacked from his cake factory job four years ago and is an aspiring artist.

He believes in the religion of ‘The Way’ which means he can’t work on Fridays or Saturdays.

On Friday he prepares himself for the Sabbath – buying weed and alcohol.

His brother Richard is also out of work and has been on benefits for the last five years.

Wirral Globe:

Nicola split from the father of her three children and spends £279 on the weekly shop. Picture: Channel 5

Single mum Nicola, 33, orginally from the Midlands but now living in Birkenhead has not had a job for six years.

Mum-of-three Nicola said: “I always said I wanted to be a receptionist at a hotel but I’m now panicking that I’m going to struggle to find work.”

Spending £279 on the weekly shop Nicola has become an expert at finding bargains on eBay this includes clothes for her young children and home essentials.

Three years ago Channel 4 made a decision to film a new series of its infamous reality show “Benefits Street” in Birkenhead North.

After protests from householders, councillors and Globe readers, the programme makers backed down and abandoned the plans.