A MAN is investing all the money he has to try to prevent the filling station he runs falling into the hands of developers.

Andy Adamson, 44, and a business partner have offered owners Save Retail £350,000 for the Orchard Service Station, in Eaglescliffe, which an unnamed developer wants to replace with 31 apartments.

Mr Adamson and his wife, Julie, have been overwhelmed by public support to save the petrol station.

Customers and neighbours have written letters to authority Stockton Borough Council and signed a 2,600-name petition. Following this support Mr Adamson began raising funds.

"We have put a bid in for £350,000. I have got a partner coming in and between us we can do it. I have just had to re-mortgage my house.''

The council has received a planning inquiry, but as yet no planning application. Save Retail has told the Adamsons that everything is for sale.

Mr Adamson, who has previously vowed he will lie down in front of any bulldozers sent to clear the site, said yesterday: "I am going to fight until the bitter end.

"We have done all we can do until a planning application is put in, but with the phenomenal support from local people we are going to fight them to the hilt.

"I think we have a chance with everyone behind us.''

It is understood a petrol company would be willing to put up most of the money should Mr Adamson's offer be accepted.

His partner wants to remain anonymous for the time being, for business reasons.