A BROMSGROVE woman who faced being put in care is now living with her sister in Lickey End, thanks to the transformational work of DIY SOS.

Hundreds of local tradesmen stepped in to help Nick Knowles and his team change the life of Karis Lane during a 'Big Build' this month.

The 27-year-old, who has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair, was previously being looked after by her mum Karen in Stourbridge.

But Karen's declining health meant she could no longer provide her with constant attention - with social services recommending she was put into care.

While Karis' sister Johanna was keen to move her into her home with partner Will, they simply couldn't afford the cost to specially-adapt it.

Yet local heroes have stepped in to provide labour and materials for free during nine-days of hard graft.

Speaking to the Advertiser after the show unveiled the work today, mum Karen said: "It's fantastic.

"It will allow two sisters to be back together as Karis has not been able to get into Jo's house at all since he bought it.

"There is no way Jo, Will or me wanted Karis to go into a care home but that was the option that was facing us.

"There were numerous homes and care homes for older people who are over 65, but nothing for Karis, so this is life-changing."

The BBC show has helped carry out a two-storey side extension for Karis' wet-room and bedroom, as well as a through-floor lift, open plan living space and kitchen, and even a moveable kitchen table to allow keen-chef Karis to cook.

Karis said: "I'm not sure what I was expecting but I am not sure it was this.

"It is the sort of thing people have got to see for themselves to believe.

"The gardens are fantastic and the kitchen is amazing - I'm looking forward to cooking in there!

"There are no words to express what the DIY SOS team and the people of Bromsgrove have done.

"I am a Bromsgrove born and bred girl but have lived everywhere from Salisbury to Stourbridge.

"This is me coming home and being accepted back into Bromsgrove."

Sister Jo added: "We can be a normal family again. Karis has got some independence back too. It is just incredible."

Tradesmen and firms who gave their time and materials to help met Karis and the family during the final day of shooting on July 12.

Billy Byrne, DIY SOS's electrician, added: "The community here has been fantastic.

"It has been a great effort by everyone and the tradesmen have done an amazing job for Karis, who is an amazing girl and full of spirit."