A NEW free repair service has been launched for Halton’s tenants.

Handyman, Gary Greenall, aged 54, has already put up shelves, fixed fireplaces and changed toilet seats.

Mary Harvey, Halton Housing Trust’s area manager for Widnes, said: “We asked our customer group what their priorities were and this was one of the services they wanted.

“There is no job too big or too small for Gary.

Tenants in 6,150 homes across Runcorn and Widnes can now get odd jobs done for free.

It gave unemployed Gary, of Clifton, Runcorn, a new lease of life.

He said: “I was made redundant and thought because I was in my 50s, I would struggle to find a job, so it’s great that the trust has given me this chance.

“I love to help people.”

Gary learnt his trade from his dad, who took him on odd jobs when he was only 10.

He went on to become an electrician and worked for a leading electrical company.

Trust tenants can contact the service on 0800 0407449 or 0303 3330339.