A FAIRYTALE castle built by a homeless man is set to be torn down by a killjoy council - despite locals thinking it's "magical".
Former animator David, 53, constructed the bizarre makeshift home - known as the Hobbit House - from rubbish and recycled foam found at a tip.
David's unique home has now become a popular spot in the local area in Tournefeuille, near Toulouse in France.
Not only has his castle become a tourist attraction, but he also uses it to run art workshops for children.
David, who was forced out of his old apartment by squatters, initially lived in a battered tent beside the nearby Touch River.
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He then decided to upgrade his home and build himself a fairytale castle in the woods.
"I got out of the tent one day and an old woman told me it all looked a terrible mess, which is why I decided to make my temporary shelter more appealing," he explained.
To his surprise, his two-metre high DIY castle quickly became a local tourist attraction for both children and adults.
David then started hosting workshops for kids every Sunday where they gathered at the castle to make toys.
Local Souhail Amirouch, 28, said: "I think it's a great curiosity and inspires the imagination.
"I watched it evolved from a single hut through to a fairytale castle and it's great, it's magic."
Laurent Mahout, 38, who takes his six-year-old daughter to the Hobbit House, added: "You have to wonder why they are doing it because at the end of the day doesn't bother anyone, and quite frankly it looks nice."
Some were shocked to learn David uses it as a home - thinking the impressive structure it was an art installation paid for by the council.
But now David is facing homelessness again after councillors ordered him on Christmas Eve to tear down the castle.
David said: "The fact that I'm here is obviously illegal, but the way they are trying to get me to move on is not being done in legal way with a full notice, and therefore it has at the moment no more value than a wish."
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The council claims the structure - made out of foam blocks - is a fire risk, and could also encourage other DIY builders to put up buildings in the woods.
The mayor's office said they have responsibility for the safety of the town and its people.
After a public outcry, the deadline for it to be dismantled has now been extended - but the council said it will not be put off.
