Hartlepool man converts Peugeot Boxer van into mobile home while on lockdown

He took a Peugeot Boxer van, normally used by tradespeople, and transformed it complete with its own kitchen, shower, windows and bed.

Alan, 56, a welder from Hartlepool, completed the project over the last five months during lockdown and while he was off work for a month earlier during the pandemic.

And he did it mainly by watching videos on YouTube and a little help from his best friend.

Alan and wife Christine have already used the van to get away on short breaks around the UK.

He said: “I bought it specially to convert then lockdown happened. I was off work for a month and got loads done and on weekends.

"I just had an idea of what I wanted to do and watched loads of YouTube videos.

"My best mate helped me with the electrics but apart from that I’ve done it all myself.”

Alan, who works for engineering firm Cleveland Bridge, in Darlington, turned the ‘bog standard' van he bought last December into a home on wheels by installing new windows, wood panelling, a double bed, fully working kitchen unit and full-sized shower.

He added: “It was very stressful at times because I had never done anything like it before.

"I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew. But I got it finished and I’m really happy with the results.

"It was time consuming but I enjoyed doing it. My wife loves it too.

"We’re planning to go all over with it.”

Alan, Christine and their dog Buddy, recently did Scotland's North Coast 500 in it and plan to spend six weeks touring Europe next summer.

The Mail has reported on a number of people who have learned new skills or hobbies during lockdown.

They include Middleton Grange shopping centre manager Mark Rycraft who leaned to ride the unicycle.

And Helena Dodds discovered a talent for painting by decorating stones and leaving them for children to find.

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