A MAN who saw a tree snap in high winds on his property had the last laugh after he chopped it up to use for firewood.

Mehrdad Pourmohamad, owner of the Old Rectory, called emergency services after his son-in-law witnessed the tree fall onto the road in the high winds.

Chapel Lane, which runs adjacent to The Church of Emmanuel, in Holcombe, was closed in both directions after the tree had blocked access.

Council workers came soon after to help the clean up operation, which took around an hour before the road was reopened.

Kevin Sellars, from Bury Council, said: “We had a phone call to come and have a look after reports of a fallen tree.

“The road was closed and so clearing the access was the most important factor but at least there is minimal damage.

“It took us an hour to get here due to conditions and the fact that we are so busy on similar jobs today.”

Mr Pourmohamad however was left in high spirits after the incident.

He said: "My son-in-law was driving down the road and saw the tree snap so he called me to let me know.

“We called the police and they soon closed the road but I thought soon after it would be a good idea to make the most of it.

"I called my friend who has a chainsaw and so we have chopped it all up and it certainly wont go to waste.

“At least I will get some good firewood out of it,” he added.

The Met Office issued an amber warning earlier in the day as Storm Doris caused chaos in the borough with wind speeds predicted to reach 70mpm.

Police confirmed that other trees fell in numerous areas of Bury, Radcliffe, Ramsbottom and Prestwich throughout the day.