DID they deserve it? Of course they did!

That was the verdict of everybody involved when a Tavistock family had their 'world turned upside down' this week by a national television company, which gave their home a surprise makeover.

Allen Lewis was the target of Crackit Productions' 'You Deserve this House' for Channel Four, presented by Amanda Lamb, the daytime show where the homes of 'community heroes' get a secret makeover.

Over a number of years Allen has raised more than £175,000 for various charities — including the Tavistock Specials football team for those with specials needs, the Son-Rise Cup, Tavistock Youth Café Plus, the Bobby Moore Cancer Fund, the Bob Champion Cancer charity and many more —all as a volunteer. His main inspiration behind his voluntary work is his ten-year-old son Paul, who has severe autism.

But no one was more surprised when Amanda knocked on the door of Allen's home in Parkwood Road.

He even protested that he had nothing to wear when he was told he was being taken away to a luxury hotel for a treat, although he didn't have to worry, his wife Sheena, who had been holding in the 'secret' for months, had already packed his suitcase the night before!

As soon as Allen was out of the door, the whole downstairs of the Lewis's house was given a complete makeover in just two days — everything was ripped out — including the kitchen sink!

Electricians, plumbers, decorators and two of the show's 'resident' carpenters Stewart Parker and Leigh Holton from London moved in and worked 'their socks off' to complete the transformation before Allen came back with son Mark on Thursday lunchtime.

They were helped by local tradesmen, while in the back garden, Hannah Harrison from Browns Hotel set up a catering stand for everybody.

Amanda Lamb, well known for other television shows like 'A Place in the Sun,' said: 'What's great about the programme is that it's more than a makeover show, it is also about showing appreciation to the person we are doing it for.

'These people devote so much of their time and effort to their community causes that we find looking after their own property is low on their list of priorities.

'When it's all finished to look at their faces makes it all worthwhile.

'The most wonderful thing is that the people who we are doing it for get to know how much they are cared about by the people in the community they serve.

'I remember when my grandfather died, it wasn't until his funeral at the church, which was packed, that I realised how many people's lives he touched.'

Amanda added that she has a friend whose child has autism and knows how 'hard a slog' it must be for Allen and Sheena and other parents with special needs.

'Hopefully this makeover will be not something just for Allan but his whole family. They thoroughly deserve it.'

Back in December the production team contacted volunteer groups throughout the country and Billie Burnett, the co-ordinator of the West Devon Community and Voluntary Services, had no hesitation naming Allen.

To keep the surprise until the climax — when Allen was shown around their 'new home' the television company packed Allen and his son Mark, aged 12, off to Bovey Castle and treated them to a luxurious stay with first class entertainment including some falconry lessons.

Two months ago the Channel Four film crew visited the all weather pitch at Crowndale to film Allen for some background, using the pretext of doing a spot on 'local community heroes.'

Allen's wife Sheena is proud of her husband's tireless efforts and admits it is hard to get him to relax —let alone do any DIY!

She said: 'I've been trying to keep the secret since December. It hasn't been easy. I spilt something on the floor the other day and I accidentally said "don't worry it will soon be new."

'I could see him thinking "when are we going to get new flooring?"

'This isn't just saying thank you to Allen but it is something that our whole family will benefit from. We are so grateful to everybody.

'Allen does all the cooking so he will be really chuffed with a new kitchen.'

Sheena the TV crew had been 'terrific'.

'Even though they had an enormous amount to do they made sure that nothing upset Paul's routine and didn't disturb him before he went off to school.'

Including in the filming were interviews with three sets of people Allen has helped over the years in Tavistock — Sarah Rogers, who has adopted two children with special needs; Ben Burnard, age 21, who plays for the Tavistock Specials football team and John Talbot, whose 12 year-old son Jack suffers from Tourettes' Syndrome.

Allen and Mark kept the tension going by being an hour late returning from Bovey Castle, as a 'surprise party' of friends — including members of TYCP and the Tavistock Specials and a camera crew awaited his return.

When he came back Allen was just stunned.

Among the trademen were decorator Paul Bennett, plasterer Dale Smith, carpenter George O'Connor, painter and decorators Cat Sens and Ady Thomas, electrician Dave Baker, carpenter Nathan Blamey and plumber Bill Welbury.

After the 'ordeal' Allen said: 'They say to give is better than to receive but when something like this happens its a wonderful feeling. To gain the trust from another human being is the best gift you can have. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone involved.

'Tavistock is a marvellous town and I'm just proud to be a part of it.'

Allen said it was all very emotional and it he was determined not to 'blub' — especially in front of the cameras — but admitted the nearest he came to it was when Ben from the Specials came over and just gave him a big hug.

'It was a magic moment, just magic,' confessed Allen.

The programme is expected to be seen on Channel 4 some time in the summer.