AS home improvements go this one was almost an instant success.

Mum Debbie Carey had a é50,000, two-room extension lifted into her back garden by crane.

The operation took just 20 minutes and will allow Debbie, 36, to increase the number of seriously disabled children she cares for.

The only hitch came when a worried neighbour asked the building team to sign witness statements before the eight-ton structure could be lifted over the house.

The extra space will allow Debbie, who has three children and cares for two others, to help out with respite care for six families at one time.

The extension has been paid for by Rochdale council and can be removed and relocated if Debbie decides to give up care work.



Debbie, from Lymington Close, Alkrington, said: "I wanted to do more work with children with special needs but my house was unsuitable because I needed downstairs accommodation and a lot more specialist equipment.

"I have been doing care work for two years on a voluntary basis, looking after two children, but now I will be helping six families. I will be letting their parents get a bit of time to themselves and with their other children and I have already met all the families

"I love the job, it is incredibly rewarding and the children are great. I just can't wait to get started.

"It is really fulfilling helping other people and other families.

"I am just very happy the extension is now in position and I can get on with my job, that is all that matters."

Now the new extension is in place the bricks will be blended in with the brickwork on Debbie's house and it is hoped the extra rooms will be in use by December 8.

Steve Titcombe, head of the council's child care service, said: "We are always on the lookout for new ways to meet the needs of disabled children.

"This is a huge boost for children with complex disabilities and their families living in the borough."

dan.mcmullan@men-news.co.uk

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