A MAN has made a floating island for himself near Cancun, off the coast of Mexico, using 150,000 recycled plastic bottles.

It is not the first time Mr Sowa, 61, originally from Hemlington, Middlesbrough, has made floating paradise homes and was first featured in The Northern Echo back in 2002.

But the father-of-four and grandfather-of-six’s latest home has won international attention as it is three-storey with internet connection, hot tub and three showers.

Twice married before he lives there with his new partner, former model Jodi Bowlin. It’s the third such home he has built but the previous two were moored in unprotected waters and destroyed by hurricanes.

He said: “My plan is to become self-sufficient. I am a vegetarian and have many plants growing on the Island which I eat, but for more variety I go by bicycle to the nearby local shop.”

Mr Sowa makes a living from his art and showing visitors around his private island. He is just 30 yards from shore and the internet comes through a 100ft-long cord. Palm trees and edible herbs grow on the island.