CRAFTSMEN rubbed shoulders with royalty as part of a project to turn derelict houses into homes for ex-service personnel.

The six-strong team from Northwich-based firm Quadriga Contracts agreed to support a scheme by the DIY SOS team for the BBC television series.

Nick Knowles led a project to create a veterans village in the area of Newton Heath in Manchester, and viewers can see what happened on BBC1 in October.

The team from Quadriga, which is based at Gadbrook Park, Rudheath, worked on the scheme when it received a visit from The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The firm was contacted about the project on Monday, September 21, by ISG Construction, which needed help for the DIY SOS team on its largest task to date, to transform a derelict street.

“The timing for us wasn’t great,” said Quadriga managing director Mark Pearson.

“A number of our site staff were away on a week-long heritage craft skills course, so we were already thin on the ground.

“The decision to get involved, however, was easy. Several of our staff have close connections with the armed forces, and not only would we be helping this fantastic cause, but I could put this down as a great team-building exercise.”

By 7am two days later Quadriga, which specialises in stone, concrete and timber restoration, had a team of six skilled craftsmen on site.

Those taking part were Simon O’Reilly, Clive Kelly, Alan Smith, Jake Cox, Lindsay Law and Steve Parkinson.

The team surveyed a total of 62 properties and repaired the upstairs and downstairs sills to 10 properties within a 48-hour period.

“Resourcing our contribution wasn’t easy, but we were proud to help this fine cause, and we look forward to seeing the results when the TV programme is broadcast in October,” added Mark.

The Newtown Heath project is due to be screened over two nights, Wednesday, October 14 and Wednesday, October 21, at 8pm on BBC1.

DIY SOS is an hour-long programme in which the team enlists the help of local tradesmen, suppliers and the community to help deserving families and causes.