Two building apprentices from Kirklees College relished the challenge of a TV makeover when they joined the BBC’s DIY SOS crew on a local project.

Thomas Earnshaw, aged 18, and Rory Angus Gibson, 22, donated their time to help adapt the home of former police officer Richard Ford, who suffered a stroke.

The duo helped to convert Mr Ford’s family home to make it more comfortable for him, wife Judy and their three children.

The former officer has extremely limited movement and speech following his stroke and is confined to an electric wheelchair and communicates via an Ipad.

Learner Thomas studies a level two joinery course while Rory studies level three in brickwork.

Rory said: “It was great to learn different skills and meet new people who were able to pass their experience on to us. It really helped boost my confidence and even though it was hard work, everyone had a good laugh.”

The programme is expected to be aired later this year.

Main pic: Kirklees College apprentices Thomas and Rory with the DIY SOS team. From left: Plasterer Chris Frediani, carpenter Mark Millar, Thomas Earnshaw, electrician Billy Byrne, Rory Gibson, builder Julian Perryman and presenter Nick Knowles