A RAMSBOTTOM couple have put the home of Fred Dibnah up for sale.

The famous house and heritage centre was bought by Leon Pownsey and his wife Jan for £185,000 in 2008, following Fred's death in 2004.

It is now a thriving business as The Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre.

The Radcliffe Road, Bolton, property is up for sale for £450,000 and the Heritage Centre is available for £250,000.

Anyone wanting to buy both can do so for £650,000.

The new owners of this fascinating property have the opportunity to own the historic house where Fred lived.

But they are also being offered the chance to buy the successful Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre — set up by Mr Powsney.

Mr Powsney hopes the new owner will be able to get the engines "back in steam" — something he feels sad he has been unable to achieve.

When Mr Powsney, 69, bought the property in 2008, following Fred's death in 2004, he decided to make the steeplejack's dream come true.

He had hoped to move to Spain, but instead bought the quirky-looking property in Radcliffe Road, The Haulgh, and turned it into a beautiful family home and adjoining Heritage Centre, filled with steam engines, artefacts and memorabilia.

He runs tours of the centre and the house — offering paying visitors the opportunity to have a cup of tea in Fred's kitchen — and even provides a self-catering bedroom for visitors from further afield.

Although Fred used to show people his pride and joy — his engines — Mr Powsney has developed these further and created an in-demand venue. "In one week we had seven coaches arrive for tours," he said.

He has made the accompanying talk as fascinating as Fred's with as much humour, he added.

The final step in the process would be getting the engines back in steam.

Mr Powsney said due to his age and his wife's ill health it was time to move on from the house that has become his home.

"I absolutely love it but I would have to be 10 years younger to continue with this I feel. It has become very special to us," he said.

Fred died at the age of 66 and was one of Bolton's most famous sons.

His charm and character earned him an army of fans who were fascinated by his work.

He became a television star after appearing in various documentaries and films which gave him a worldwide fan base.