PENSIONER Sam Brereton has returned to a 'home sweet home' that is better than ever.

The 67-year-old is the first resident to return to newly-modernised homes on Ramsbottom's Peel Brow estate.

Sam's house is one of 24 bungalows which are being converted into Design for Life homes as part of a £260,000 facelift.

Bury Metro's housing spokesperson, Cllr John Smith, who was there to greet the pensioner when he returned to his home, said: "The changes to Sam's house and the other bungalows at Peel Brow are just part of the near £3 million that we are currently investing in our council homes right across the borough.

"The beauty of the scheme in Ramsbottom, though, is that it will make a significant difference to elderly and disabled people. It will allow them to maintain their independence and have features which are specially designed to make their life easier and more enjoyable." At Peel Brow, the bungalows have had a range of improvements carried out.

These include enlarged kitchens and new bathrooms with low-level steps, while showers for the disabled are to be put in where needed.

Light switches have been repositioned to assist wheelchair users, and even windows have been lowered and extra ones installed to give a brighter interior and open up the views for the occupants.