Double celebration after council house refurbishment

While the retired couple were delighted with the new kitchen and bathroom installed at their home in Dagnam Drive, Arbourthorne, their refurb also marked the halfway mark in a 700 million programme to revamp more than 40,000 properties across the city.

Half of all council houses in Sheffield now meet the Decent Homes standard, meaning they are warm, weatherproof and have modern facilities.

Many of the homes previously had facilities which had not been upgraded for decades - some dating back to when the properties were built.

Jon Lovibond, Sheffield Homes director of investment, said: "The significant investment which has been made since 2004 is making a huge difference to people's lives across Sheffield.

“Not only through the improvements to people's homes - fitting new bathrooms and kitchens, installing central heating and other work - but also through the creation of 1,500 jobs and the opportunity for 250 people to be trained in construction skills."

Mr Poulson said: "We're really pleased with the work – the difference it has made has been incredible.”