A FIREWORK dropped through an air vent is thought to have caused a fire which destroyed a caravan and damaged a 4x4 vehicle.

And the arsonist attack in Tyldesley has cruelly ended Parkinson's Disease sufferer Gordon Burrows' 12 year caravanning hobby.

Mr Burrows and his wife returned to their home in Cranleigh Drive home around 9pm last Sunday night to find their caravan destroyed by fire.

Neighbours spotted the blaze after youths had been seen playing with fireworks by the side of the Burrows' home. But firefighters were unable to save the caravan. The fire also damaged a four wheel drive car also parked on the drive, garden fencing and scorched the side of the house.

Mr Burrows said: "They must have climbed over the fence onto the roof of the caravan and pushed a firework down through the air vent."

The luxury caravan, worth several thousand pounds, was only two-years-old.

Mr Burrows, a retired marine engineer, was devastated to find his pride and joy had fallen victim to vandals and has already decided not to replace the it.

He said: "My health is deteriorating, but I love caravanning -- now my choice has been made for me."

Police are aware of the problems and together with the local council and youth services are trying to come up with "tolerated areas" where youths can meet away from residential areas. One of these has already been set-up in Tyldesley Park and, according to police, has succeeded in reducing youth trouble by 66 per cent.

A police spokesman said: "In light of the recent incident a review of the situation will be carried out, so we can develop a practical plan of action for the future."