FIRMS from across South Devon have come to the aid of a young family caring for a severely disabled Torbay man.

Neil Wright, 47, has been looked after by his sister Jane Bemand-Wright, 40, and her husband Daniel, 30, in their small two-bedroom Tamar Avenue home in Shiphay since their mother died.

Neil was born with autism and severe learning difficulties and has the mental age and understanding of a two-year-old.

The family receive support from the authorities including day care and home help and have had some home improvements carried out.

As their two young children began growing up, they began building an extension, but ran out of money. Because their unfinished extension has been open to the elements for two winters, it would probably have to be demolished if not finished.

Jane said their pleas for help through grants fell on deaf ears. But without the £6,000 they needed to finish the extension, she said they would end up putting Neil into care, which can cost the authorities £800 a week.

The couple are sleeping in a single bedroom with their children, Eloise aged two and Aston aged 15 months, while Neil has a small bedroom to himself. After their application for a disabled facilities grant was rejected by Torbay Council, the couple had to look elsewhere for help.

Now home improvement specialist Europlas has come to their aid after being contacted by carers charity Crossroads, supplying and fitting windows, doors and roofing to the half-built extension at no charge.

The Europlas team got a number of other local businesses on board.

Midas Homes is also offering support.

Jane said: "Our children are going to have their own room by Christmas and Neil is going to get a quiet space where he can feel secure.

"Europlas and the other businesses who are getting involved have been a godsend."

A Torbay Council spokesman said: "The needs of disabled people in their own homes are firstly assessed by the Torbay Care Trust. If it considers the person's needs are best met by works eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant, then the case is referred to Torbay Council for processing.

"The council is unable to comment on any specific application it may or may not be dealing with."

Local businesses who can support the project should call Eleanor Dann on 01626 323010 or e-mail edann@europlas.co.uk

Crossroads Care South West is on 01803 323510, or visit www.crossroads.org.uk