A LAW student has won the right to buy his council house in a landmark decision that could have implications for thousands of householders.

Tom Mountain, of South Shields, asked officials at South Tyneside Council to fix a minor fault in the ceiling of his Edhill Gardens home after he moved in more then two years ago.

But after council bosses said they were unable to complete the repair, Mr Mountain decided to purchase the property under the right-to-buy scheme.

However, when the 56-year-old made an application to buy the house, it was rejected by the authority, which said bungalows were exempt.

Mr Mountain, who is in the second year of a law degree at Northumbria University, appealed to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott who supported his claim.

He found that as long as the person wanting to buy the property is under 60, and there have been no special adaptations to the bungalow, it cannot be exempted from the right-to-buy scheme.

The ruling by the Deputy Prime Minister could have implications for up to 2,820 council tenants.

Mr Mountain said: "It goes against my beliefs to buy a council home. But on the other hand, I just think that if you are paying rent and repairs are not getting done then you should think about buying."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "Everyone who applies to buy a council-owned bungalow is refused permission.

"They are always informed that they have a right to appeal to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister within eight weeks. Each application and appeal is judged on its merits."