TRENDY Stephen Gray is such a dedicated follower of fashion that his wardrobe is worth more than his house.

The 26-year-old has had to take out a separate policy since home insurers refused to cover the collection, worth £37,000.

Versace, Viviene Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier and other top designers grace the racks of the closet in his £35,000 former council house, in Sunderland.

He has 20 pairs of shoes, 20 pairs of trousers, ten pairs of jeans, 20 designer tops and sweaters, 20 shirts, and five coats, ranging from £100 to £4,000 per item.

Mr Gray, manager of a hair salon in the city, admits he is a fashion freak.

In total, his wardrobe came to a staggering £37,000 £2,000 more than the three-bedroom home.

He said: "I really couldn't believe it was worth that much. I know I spend a lot on clothes, but I never expected it to be worth £37,000.

"When I was speaking to the insurance guy, he almost fell off his chair. He point-blank refused to put the clothes under the house and contents insurance, and told me I had to take out a seperate policy."