A BOLTON plasterer left to look after his mother's house while she is away on holiday is facing a major redecorating job before she flies home - after a "comedy of errors" fire. Gary Hilton, aged 36, is looking after mother Norah's home in Derby Street, Bolton, while she enjoys a three month sunshine break.

But today he is faced with re-painting every room in the house after leaving the chip pan on the stove while he nipped to the local shop.

He returned minutes later, but, to his horror, discovered he had locked himself out.

Gary then jumped into his car and set off to his girlfriend's house in Walkden to pick up a spare set of keys.

By the time he returned to his mother's home the chip pan was well alight and he was forced to telephone 999 from a local takeaway.

Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes and prevented the blaze from spreading, but every room in the house was damaged by smoke.

Gary said today: "When I got back from the shop I could see the black smoke. I suppose I should have just smashed the window, but I didn't think it through and went for the spare keys.

"Luckily my mum is away for a couple more weeks, so I have got plenty of time to start painting and get the house ship shape by the time she gets back."

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