TONY Deeley is having a steamy "affair" with the new found love in his life ... but wife Andrea doesn't mind too much.

Tony, 34, of Compston Avenue, Loveclough, has just taken delivery of the family's new "motor", a 1930 steam roller.

And what's more, he's named it after Andrea.

The new set of wheels does 4mph and lacks the usual refinements but it is still a head turner as its trundles down the road.

Tony bought the steam engine a month ago from a friend but spent almost two years before that helping him restore the roller to its former glory.

It was used by Blackpool Council until 1966 when it went into storage in Oldham.

"I've been fascinated by steam engines since I was a kid," admitted Tony.

"I started out with miniatures but this is the first time I've every owned the real thing."

Tony is planning to take part in steam rallies across the North this summer starting in a few weeks time at Urmston, Manchester.

His long-suffering wife helps out with Tony's hobby.

"She's spent many a time in a cold, draughty shed while I work on it," he added.

The couple's children, Jack, 7, and four-year-old Sammy-Jo love the latest addition to the family.

"It certainly makes people take notice," said Tony, "especially when you first fire her up."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.