LORRY driver Kevin Elleray was left with only the clothes he stood up in after a blaze ripped through his mobile home at Doffer Fold Farm off St Andrew's Road in Radcliffe.

The 44-year-old had spent the last four years converting a 32-seater coach into a "des res" complete with shower, toilet and kitchen facilities.

Mr Elleray was this week meeting with Bury Council housing officers in a bid to be re-housed following Sunday afternoon's (Jan 12) fire.

The divorcee was visiting a Manchester museum when a hot ember fell from a heater in the converted coach. Flames quickly spread through the coach, which had been bought for £900.

"Everything I own has been lost," said Mr Elleray. "Converting the coach has been more of a labour of necessity rather than one of love. I needed somewhere to live.

"I am one of those 30-something people: get married, get divorced, end up homeless and get no help in finding a home to live in. This coach was my home and I spent several thousands of pounds doing it up. There is nothing left other than what I am wearing."

Firefighters from Whitefield were called out on Sunday afternoon to deal with the burning coach, but they were unable to the save Mr Elleray's home and belongings.

He said: "All my computer and fishing equipment, together with a load of spare parts for my motorbike were in the coach. It has all gone. I am absolutely devastated."