A VETERAN who has had his home redecorated in a huge community effort said that he "broke down" when he saw it for the first time.

Denis McHugh, 63, who served in the Royal Navy for nine years in the 70s and 80s, had been struggling with his mental health and his home was becoming increasingly difficult to live in.

Denis' ceiling has been leaking for several years, while plastering has been falling off the walls.

The Borough of Bury Veterans Association (BOBVA) discovered his plight and local businesses helped provide Denis with everything from tiling and plumbing to waste removal and a new boiler.

Denis said that he was able to have his first shower at home in seven years following the redesign and that "everything was perfect."

He said: "I feel like Goldilocks - the bears and the burglar at the same time - it is just stunning.

"It really lifts you up to know that people are there for you. I just broke down when I saw everything and I couldn't believe it.

"It has been a rollercoaster of a ride and I got to the top of the ride when I opened the bathroom door and walked in."

Photos show the dramatic transformation of Denis' home, including the fully refurbished bathroom, new carpets replacing rugs on concrete throughout as well as new bedding and quilts.

Leanne Murphy, a member of BOBVA, said: "When we were getting the funding, we were just going to do the bathroom but more and more people volunteered to help provide different things.

"It was mindblowing - I can't thank everyone enough for helping with the project.

"I just want to say to everyone who helped; you have made a grown man realise there is a life to live.

"We all might not wear the uniform anymore, but we are all one big family. A dysfunctional one, but a family that is there for each other."

BOBVA is keen for any Bury veterans to get involved. More information can be found on their website by clicking here.

BOBVA would also like to highlight the kind work of all the following for their involvement in the project:

- Darren Taylor - DTaylor Property Maintenance.

- Dave Stott - Elite Tiling, Manchester.

- Martin Chapple - Tile Master Adhesives Chorley (Adhesive).

- Sam Aston - Direct Tile and Stone Horwich (Tiles).

- Plumber Andy Brookes,

- Ray Porter, director of Fostering changes lives (ex army) providing transportation to his personal static caravan as sent at Ribby Hall for a week

- Martin Allen , branch manager, donated flooring, Howdens (Bury)

- Vicky Maddox - Decorating 

- Gemma Maddox - Cleaning and got supplier for Carpets

- Lidl Stores ( Bury) - food supply for week away

- Lee Smith - Bathroom Northwest For the full bathroom suite

- SSAFA Bury 

- Travis Perkins Salford - Gareth Lovatt and Josh Lomas.

- Carpets donated - by anonymous donator

- Carpets laid WW Flooring Of Bury