A MAN who has lived in a tent for almost a year has spoken about why he became "Bury's answer to Bear Grylls".

Lee Mellor said he moved onto the patch of land close to the M66 roundabout, off Rochdale Road, Bury, last July.

Boasting a portable gym and trampoline, the father-of-two’s one-man campsite has since become a talking point for many passing motorists.

The 28-year-old told The Bury Times he made the move after his mother was diagnosed with cancer and he wanted to give her space at home.

Mr Mellor said he chose the plot as he had fond memories of playing there as a child.

But his stay on the land could soon come to an end as Rochdale Council, which owns the land, is trying to move him.

Mr Mellor, who went to East Ward Primary and Broad Oak High schools, said: "I look after the land, clean up litter and cut the grass. It looks tidy and I am doing no harm.

"I didn't want to be under my mum's feet. I like to go out and come back late and I can't be doing that with her being so poorly.

"I wear five coats in the winter to keep warm and am quite resourceful.

"People call me the Bear Grylls of Bury because I can look after myself in the wild."

Mr Mellor, who is known by his nicknames Rooney and Macca, is a self-employed metal worker and said he claims job seekers' allowance when he cannot find work.

He said: "Last month, Rochdale Council came round and left a note in my tent and asked me to call them.

"I rang them and they don't want me there, but I don't see why I should leave. I plan to stay here as long as I can."

A Rochdale Borough Council spokesman said: "We are aware of this individual's circumstances and have been working with our colleagues in Bury Council to try and resolve this problem.

"We have offered this person accommodation and support, but these offers have not been taken up as yet.

"We will continue to work with this man to try and find an appropriate solution and will also ensure that local businesses are kept informed."

Camping on private land without the landowner's agreement could constitute trespass, and could result in civil action being taken through the county court.