A COUPLE are celebrating after ending a mammoth battle for disabled facilities with success.

Wheelchair-bound Debra Foster, 53, returned home from hospital after undergoing life-saving kidney and pancreas transplants in 2011.

But she became a prisoner in her own home, unable to leave due to a steep flight of wooden steps leading up to the front door of the property in Morris Avenue, Jaywick.

For more than a year her partner Tony Smeeton has campaigned to have their home converted for disabled use.

And the couple are now celebrating after seeing the changes made at last.

A stairlift has been put in place outside the home, while its doorways have been widened and the bathroom has been converted into a wet room.

Mr Smeeton said: “We have been fighting for this for so long and it is fantastic for Debra.

“She has been home from hospital for 18 months and that has been a difficult time because she hasn’t been able to get outside.

“It has taken too long, but it is better late than never.”

Mr Smeeton secured more than £20,000 in funding from Tendring Council for the conversion.