An Italian hermit who has lived a Robinson Crusoe-style existence on an island off the coast of Sardinia for nearly 30 years has vowed to fight attempts to have him evicted.

Mauro Morandi has lived on the island of Budelli, which is renowned for its pink sand beaches, since 1989.

The former PE teacher was on a catamaran bound for the South Pacific when it broke down near the islet.

He liked it so much that he never left and has since carved out a life as a beachcomber and castaway, earning the nickname “the Italian Robinson Crusoe”.

For years, his presence was tolerated and he was allowed to work as an unofficial custodian of the island.

But two years ago Budelli was incorporated into the Maddalena Archipelago national park and the authorities now want him to leave, saying his presence is incompatible with what should be a refuge for wildlife.