WHEN a national DIY chain failed to help a home carer in desperate need, the Okehampton Lions stepped up to the plate to help.

Having approached a national chain to fit new kitchen doors and a kitchen unit in the home of a disabled client and met great difficulties, carer Charlotte Hoar put out a distress call to the community for help.

The Lions responded not only by providing the free labour to fit everything, but were also able to source the kitchenware locally at a significantly reduced price, compared with the quote received from the DIY chain.

When the Lions approached Howden's Joinery in Okehampton about the project, the firm sent along their top kitchen designer Sam Bussey, who then guided the project.

Charlotte Hoar has paid tribute to Howden's Joinery and Sam Bussey for their professionalism and generosity.

She said: 'You guys are the heroes.

'It has made such a difference to now have a serviceable kitchen.

'The Lions and Sam took the stress out of it all and my client is just over the moon.'

l Picture by Ian Snell