Helpers step in with Oswestry flat makeover for Elin

An army of volunteers carried out their own version of hit ITV daytime show 60 Minute Makeover by decorating the flat of an inspirational Oswestry woman.

Elin Jones, 21, who is confined to a wheelchair and suffers from cerebral palsy, is soon to move into a new flat in Oswestry after securing a place at university in Wrexham – but the flat in Llwyn Fields was in need of a makeover.

Members of Oswestry's Osyteers volunteer group and the town's Borderland Rotary Club heard about her plight and stepped up to the challenge to decorate the flat in 60 minutes.

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And although the two bedrooms and the lounge were not quite completed within the deadline, Elin and the volunteers say they are delighted with the end result.

Mike Lade, of Osyteers, said: "We said it was a 60-minute makeover and although we didn't quite manage it within that time we are pleased with how it went.

"We had 10 volunteers and it took about an hour and half to paint the three rooms. We are pleased with how it went and hopefully Elin will be happy too. We would like to thank everyone who helped."

Delighted Elin, who has lived at the Neurodisability Unit at Meadowbrook Care Home at Gobowen for two years, will study childhood and family studies course at Glyndwr University and hopes to become a special needs teacher. She said: "They did a good job and did it quickly.

"I am getting the flooring done next week and have got my furniture sorted out. I am just needing a washing machine.

Shelly McGlinchey, from Meadowbrook Care Home said Elin was moving out of the home this month because social services had said she was able to live more independently.