NEVER mind Handy Andy, builder Bill Farrell is more than happy to help people with a bit of DIY.

It is all thanks to the local Care and Repair agency, based at Burlington House, Ribblesdale Place, Preston, who now offer disabled and elderly people a handyman service for small home improvement jobs.

Now, to improve their valuable service, the caring charity are eager to hear from elderly or disabled people in need of a helping hand with odd jobs.

Bill, who has been in the building trade since leaving school, said: "It's a great project to be involved in. We're trying to expand what we can offer and hopefully soon we will be able to offer more to the community."

For a small charge, £5 for up to two hours work, handyman Bill will carry out jobs a contractor may not be interested in doing or ones which carry a huge call out fee.

Whether it be fixing a leaky tap, putting up a curtain rail or even changing a light bulb, Bill, 53, is on call to make sure vulnerable people, who cannot rely on normal family support, have the best opportunity to stay in their own homes rather than going into care.

For jobs that take longer than a couple of hours or require specialist attention, problem-solving Bill can direct people to a reputable professional who will not charge over the odds for a minor task.

Before becoming the town's full-time Mr Fix-It last year, father-of-three Bill, from Wigan, was a self-employed brick layer.

He impressed the bosses at Care and Repair so much during his three-year spell as a part-time technical officer that they offered him the new handyman position.

Tony Molloy, agency director, said: "Bill is a friendly face to those who need him. He's someone that they can trust. Sometimes it's refreshing for elderly people to see an older face."

Mrs Ethel Bingham, 77, of Mayfield Avenue, Ingol, is one of many satisfied customers. She said: "People don't half try and rip pensioners off these days. This way of getting those little jobs done is much better."

If you are old or disabled and have any odd jobs that needs doing around the house call Bill on 204096.