A WIRRAL-based company is helping to “open the door” to the future for war veterans after taking part in an ambitious DIY SOS project to transform 62 homes.

Staff from door company Vista have lent their support as Nick Knowles and the BBC One show’s team to transform the empty houses on two Manchester streets into a new community for veterans.

The refurbishment, which has been described as the most ambitious DIY SOS project to date, includes the building of a veteran walk-in support centre where military charity Walking With The Wounded will provide therapy, counselling and employment opportunities.

When Vista – based on the North Cheshire Trading Estate - heard about the plans to create a veteran’s housing community, they were eager to show their support and installed 14 of their XtremeDoor entrance doors to the newly refurbished properties during the first phase of the build. 

Wirral Globe:
Vista's commercial manager ​John Pinder (centre) with members of the Walking with the Wounded team.

Managing director Keith Sadler said: “At Vista we recognise the importance of engaging with local community projects, and were delighted to show our support to such an important cause.

“Our commercial manager, John Pinder, was in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and his son is in the Household Cavalry Blues and Royals, and this was one of the more personal reasons we wanted to help with the refurb.

“I would like to say a special thanks to our GRP composite door leaf supplier, Distinction Doors, who worked with us to make our involvement possible.”

Two 60 minute episodes will be broadcast on BBC1 in October.

In these two special episodes, DIY SOS will achieve its biggest build to date, renovating seven homes and giving a brand new facelift to all 62 homes.

In addition these episodes will highlight major social issues while delivering big emotional stories, leaving a legacy to be proud of.

Keith added: “The DIY SOS team have done a tremendous job of bringing the community together and we look forward to seeing what a difference the new houses will make to the lives of war veterans.”