AS a Romany gypsy, Thomas Price has travelled the world and faced his share of prejudice and hostility.

But after 40 years he has put down roots by transforming an eyesore builder's yard . . . to the delight of the neighbours.

Thomas and his brother Dean, 32, set up camp in the summer and have turned the wasteland in Denton into a home to be proud of.

Now, after ridding the area of fly-tippers and drunken youths, neighbours are supporting their application for planning permission to make the site their permanent home.

They live in caravans with their wives, Sheila and Colette, and 10 children, aged from one to 17.

Since moving in, the Prices have built a wall round the site adorned with hanging baskets and railings. Ornate gates guard the entrance and a gravel drive sweeps into camp where a gleaming silver Mercedes is parked.

Thomas said: "It was an eyesore when we arrived. The lane was a magnet for drunken youths, joyriders and flytippers. But we've tidied it up and there's no trouble here now."

Builder Dean, 32, is intensely proud of his heritage and has learned to live with prejudice.

He said: "We've always faced hostility and take it with a pinch of salt. People need to realise there's good and bad in every community. We've travelled the world all our lives. It's in our blood but those days are over.

"I want to give our kids something we never had, a settled school life. We bought this site for our family alone, no one else will come here."

The application is in the green belt, where traveller sites are usually frowned upon. But solicitors for the family argue the site will change its use from a builder's yard which is also inappropriate for green belt.

Neighbour Pat Pickford, 77, said: "They're very nice. They would do anything for you. It can be quite lonely here and we have had trouble with youths, so I feel safer now."

A council spokesman said: "We believe this is the first planning application for a permanent traveller site in Tameside."

A decision is expected early in the new year.