A YOUNG family has received an early Christmas present after their lounge was given a Changing Rooms-style makeover.

Family support charity Home-Start South Worcestershire teamed up with high street bank Halifax to make Louise Scott’s Worcester home more welcoming and comfortable in time for the festive season.

The 31-year-old was referred to the charity, which helps families to live independently, and was able to plan the makeover after receiving regular support from the group. Miss Scott, who did not want her full address printed, can now looked forward to spending Christmas with her four-year-old son Reilly in improved surroundings.

She said: “It really needed cheering up and I wasn’t looking forward to spending [the time] in my flat the way it was, but it’s great now and I can’t wait for my friends and family to see it.

“I was out of my home while the team were here. When I saw what they had done I was so excited. “It looks really lovely and I’m looking forward to Christmas now. I can’t wait to put the Christmas tree up.”

Donations of materials and paint were gathered from colleagues and staff, with furniture provided by the Evesham-based charity Roundabout and a £150 grant for additional materials from Halifax.

A team of 12 workers and volunteers spent just one day in the home to complete the project. Sue Downward, co-ordinator at the Home-Start South Worcestershire scheme, said: “Many families are facing challenges such as illness, disability, relationship breakdown, social isolation or bereavement. It’s so important for families to feel comfortable and safe in their own homes and it’s been a pleasure to work with these enthusiastic Halifax volunteers and see the difference they’ve made.”

Last year the scheme helped nearly 200 struggling families in the Worcester city, Wychavon and Malvern Hills districts of the county. A team of volunteers visit people’s homes to spend a few hours a week helping parents.