LOTTERY winner Karl Crompton laughed off suggestions he wants to be Lord of the Manor at Lytham Hall.

Despite reports in a national newspaper, the ten-times millionaire said he is definitely not interested in the 18th century hall (pictured), which is currently on the market for £1 million without its contents.

Speaking to the Citizen, Karl said: "I've read in the papers that I'm interested in buying Lytham Hall, but what the hell would I do with it? It's far too big!"

Karl, 23, who scooped £10.9 million on the National Lottery last month, still lives with his mum, dad and brother at Stanley Avenue, Cleveleys, and says he is in no hurry to move out but is looking for a place of his own.

He said: "I've been to a few estate agents and looked at a couple of houses. I want to stay in the Fylde area, but I want something I can manage, not Lytham Hall.

"I do want a property with a bit of land and maybe a swimming pool, but I'm not going over the top."

The news that Karl is not interested in the grade one listed building is a relief to Marion Coupe, secretary of the Friends of Lytham Hall, part of Lytham Town Trust which wants to buy the hall.

Marion said: "We would be horrified if a private buyer got his hands on it.

"We have heard a Manchester businessman has been making serious inquiries, but it's a ridiculous idea as the hall is just not suitable for 20th-century living.

"English Heritage has said it is the most important grade one listed building in the county because of its historic contents, paintings and furniture.

"We have to make sure that its contents are not separated from the building."

Lytham Town Trust is currently raising funds to make a bid for the hall which it wants to open to the public and use to house the council's art collection and other local works of art.

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