A PENSIONER who suffered serious burns when his bungalow exploded had carried out some DIY work the day before.

Roland Haslam's home in Cameron Street, Sharples, was left a ruined shell after the explosion ripped through it on the morning of Friday, March 4.

Transco said it had concluded an investigation and was satisfied there was no problem with its equipment.

It is believed Mr Haslam, aged 75, had been working on a waste pipe to his washing machine, but disturbed a gas pipe. According to a Transco spokesman, he had tried to fix the leak. But gas continued seeping into the house and the next morning when he went to light the gas fire, there was an explosion.

A double glazed window was blown 30 feet from the house and Mr Haslam's belongings were scattered across the road.

Mr Haslam was carried from the doorway of his home by neighbours.

He suffered burns to his hands, body and head. He was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital where he spent a week before being transferred to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he is described as "reasonably comfortable".

A spokesman for Bolton at Home said a surveyor would be visiting Mr Haslam to see if he would eventually want to return to his bungalow.

He said: "If he does, we will have to find him somewhere temporary as it will be a major project to rebuild his home."