AN UNUSUAL homelessness problem has hit a Bolton couple.

Although they have roofs over their heads, they have been forced to search for a new home for their pride and joy -- their collection of vintage tractors.

Peter Fleming, of Nevis Grove, in Astley Bridge, and partner Eunice Ratcliffe, of Forfar Street, Astley Bridge, are self confessed "vintage tractor enthusiasts" and own three old agricultural tractors dating back to the 1950s.

Two of these, a 1960 Fordson Dexta and a 1953 Fordson Major, have been restored to their former glory and over the last two years have been exhibited at various local shows.

Eunice said: "We are the only two people showing tractors, but they let us enter in the agricultural vehicles category. We have even won a few trophies for our efforts."

The unusual hobby was prompted by Peter, who was brought up on a farm in East Anglia. He had always been a tractor enthusiast and three years ago he and Eunice had the opportunity to buy one for themselves.

Since then the hobby has grown, and having successfully restored the first two vehicles the couple are in the process of renovating their third, a 1958 Fordson Power Major.

Eunice said: "We spend time at the weekends working on the tractors, but it will take months of hard work to restore completely. The other two are in working order and we use them sometimes at weekends to go for drives in the country -- but their top speeds are 25 and 28 miles per hour, so we don't go far!"

Peter said: "It is so much fun I can't get enough of it! My ultimate dream would be to have a four-wheel-drive Fordson Major."

Until last month the three vehicles were stored in stables at Grange Farm near the Jumbles, but now the farmer needs the room to store hay and the tractors have had to be removed. They are currently scattered at various sites, but the couple hope to find somewhere, such as a disused barn, a large shed or garage, to store them on a long-term basis.

"We have spent the last three or four weekends driving around looking at various farms, but haven't managed to find anywhere to take them yet."

Peter said: "If we had to sell them it would be like chopping my arm off. We buy them as skeletons and spend so much time and effort restoring them we just want to show them off the same as people do with vintage cars."

The couple are prepared to pay a small amount to keep their vehicles, but are on a budget.

Anyone who can help should contact Eunice on 07930 660773.