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 last week by a national television company who gave their home a surprise makeover.

Tireless charity worker Allen Lewis was the target of Channel 4's 'You Deserve this House', presented by Amanda Lamb, the daytime show where the homes of 'community heroes' get a secret makeover.

Back in December the production team contacted volunteer groups throughout the country and contacted Billie Burnett,

co-ordinator of the West Devon Community and Voluntary Services — she had no hesitation in naming Allen.

Sheena, Allen's wife, was in on the surprise and had packed a bag ready for him to be whisked off to a luxury hotel in south Devon while the transformation of their home in Parkwood Road was carried out.

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

Over a number of years Allen has raised more than £175,000 for various charities, including the Tavistock Specials football team for those with special 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.

The Times was allowed in as the work took place — and was among the delighted onlookers there when Allen returned to his revamped home.