THREE lifelong Burnley friends united to fight the homes closure at the weekend.

Ronald Pollard, 69, of New Ground Court, Walter Plant, 75 of Lower Ridge Nursing Home, Belvedere Road, Burnley, and Peter Hirst, 64, of Pheasantford Green, joined the march to secure Walter's future.

Walter came to the home two-and-a-half years ago following hospital treatment for a stroke, which has left him unable to speak or walk.

All three grew up in the Burnley Lane area of the town and have been inseparable ever since.

Ronald, who lives with his wife Rene, 66, and has two children, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild said: "I was three years old when I met Walter.

"The three of us worked at Spring Wood farm then did window cleaning together.

"I visit Walter nearly every day and look after his finances and everything.

"He has nobody. He never married and has one nephew who lives in Spain. His brother died.

"We've been friends all our lives and if you can't look after each other what can you do? Walter had a stroke two-and-a-half years ago and has never been able to walk or talk since. He can't bath himself and relies on the home to look after him."