"WHAT they have done for us is amazing and I will never forget them."

Those are the words of stroke survivor Dave McCartney after builders, plasterers, joiners and decorators descended on his Padgate Lane house to transform it into the home of his dreams during TV programme DIY SOS.

The BBC show was aired last Thursday leaving many reaching for their tissues but more than nine months on from when filming took place, Dave and his family including wife Anna and daughters Emma, aged 23, and Amy, aged 21 said they still cannot believe they were selected for the show.

The 49-year-old former electrician said: "I was over the moon as it was a way for me to improve my life.

"The work means I can go anywhere so it's just been fantastic.

"But it's not just about the show as a couple of the plasterers have taken me out for drinks and kept in touch.

"I've missed the buzz of going on site so to have so many contractors working on the house really lifted me and gave me that buzz back."

Dave, who had his stroke while he was at work two years ago and had to have a third of his skull removed to relieve pressure on his head, was nominated for the programme by Jane Guy from the Stroke Association after she discovered work needed to adapt the house would be a two-year wait.

They were picked out of 'tens of thousands' of nominations for the transformation which included widened door frames and a new driveway for Dave's wheelchair, a lower kitchen work surface so he can still cook, a downstairs shower and toilet and a 'man cave' in the back garden with tools and a raised flower bed for growing vegetables and herbs.

Dave added: "Without people in Warrington this would have never happened and they're all invited round for a cup of tea.

"My carers, Jane from the Stroke Association, the clubs I have been going to after the stroke, all the staff and nurses at Warrington Hospital, my two best friends Gary and Ray and all the contractors from Warrington have all been fantastic and I can't thank them enough.

"I hope when I get the opportunity when I'm better I can help them the way they have helped me and I would advise anyone to get their blood pressure checked and look after their health."