Rapid rise of Chris Foster

Millionaire Chris Foster enjoyed a rapid rise up the property ladder as he enjoyed business success.

From living in a smart, modern property in Wolverhampton, he moved to a luxury country home in Allscott, before swopping life there for £1.15 million Osbaston House in Maesbrook.

See inside Osbaston House before the blaze

He lived in a brick-built property in Perton, Wolverhampton, more than 10 years ago, before moving to the exclusive Shropshire village of Allscott, near Telford.

It is not known how much Mr Foster sold his Wolverhampton property for.

Former neighbours in Allscott spoke of his love of shooting and outdoor pursuits. They said the family lived at a modern house before moving to the Maesbrook mansion in 2004.

The spacious house in Allscott, set off a private lane and behind gates, was the home of Mr Foster, his wife Jill and daughter Kirstie for about five years.

It is believed to have been sold for about £750,000 in October 2004, when the Fosters bought Osbaston House for £1.15 million.

The mainly Georgian house, over three storeys, with a gravel driveway, was described at the time as having 16.7 acres of land, and included three main reception rooms, an orangery, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a cellar, woodland, paddo- cks, outbuildings and access to fish on the River Morda.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said the house had been done up by the previous owners and sold at a profit to the Fosters.

He said he did not know what had been undertaken inside the property but the Fosters had put up stables, made an exercise yard and divided up the fields.

Mr Foster, 50, made his fortune developing insulation technology for oil rigs, but his company, Ulva Ltd, went into administration in September last year.

He has not been seen since the fire on Tuesday.

Friends of Mr Foster who enjoyed a barbecue with the family on Monday, said the millionaire was his "normal self" as they socialised hours before the blaze.

The friend, who hosted the barbecue at his home in Maesbrook, did not wish to be named but said he had known the Fosters for three years. He said he was shocked about the fire but hoped for the family's safe return.

He said many of the Fosters' friends had contacted him and all denied reports about Mr Foster's business dealings. "A lot of people have phoned me and we haven't seen the side the national newspapers have portrayed," he said. "We haven't seen the business side of him, but as a person and a family they are very nice and a very close family. Chris is very much a family man who loves animals and children.

"He supported his daughter in her horse jumping."

Kirstie was a pupil at nearby private school Ellesmere College. Headteacher Brendan Wignall today said everyone was hoping Kirstie and her family would be found safe and well.

"We are very concerned for the safety of Kirstie and her family who are in our thoughts and prayers," he said. "Kirstie is a charming, popular and hard-working girl with many friends, all of whom are hoping that she and her family will be found safe and well."

Helen Goss, head of girls games, today said her thoughts were with Kirstie, a keen sports player, and her family. She said Kirstie was a popular member of the hockey, netball and tennis teams. "Kirstie was a competent team player," she said. "She was very quiet, but also a popular, polite and friendly girl."

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson said he shocked and horrified to hear about the fire. "I know the police are already working hard on this case and I hope they resolve how this terrible event came about," he said.

By Suzanne Roberts