A COUPLE are publicly thanking a community for uniting to help them make alterations to their home to make it more wheelchair-friendly.

Rob and Kathryn Hills have posted flyers around Tantobie, near Stanley, to show their gratitude to their friends, neighbours and regulars at their local pub.

Mrs Hills, 43, of Federation Terrace, is severely disabled and has suffered from Multiple Sclerosis since April last year and been in a wheelchair since February.

She is paralysed down one side, blind and unable to recognise people she has known all her life.

But when Mr Hills discovered he was going to have to pay £12,000 to make the conversions to improve her quality of life, the community rallied around to help.

Friends at The Commercial pub, in Tantobie, said they would use £1,500 from a charity auction and fun run to help make the alterations so Mrs Hills can wash and sleep downstairs.

The materials were paid for and local tradesmen offered to do the work for free.

Mr Hills said: "I cannot say how grateful I am to everyone for their kindness.

"The donation has made it possible for us to have the alterations carried out, which makes caring for Kath so much easier. It is so very much appreciated.

"You have made our lives so much very easier to manage."