A FAMILY who feared they could be homeless over Christmas after they were declared bankrupt have moved into their new home.

Stephen and Dianne Winfield, and their three children Amy, aged 15, nine-year-old Ryan and six-year-old Ellie, were forced to move out of their home of 20 years, in Redwood Place, Meir.

They were being evicted as they are unable to meet mortgage arrears of £2,500.

Their debts grew as work dried up for joiner Stephen.

But Stoke-on-Trent County Court extended the time they could stay in their home.

The family have now moved into council accommodation in Bentilee.

Dianne, aged 38, said: "It's a nice place we've moved into and it already feels like home.

"I don't think it has sunk in yet that we're no longer living in the family home."