A SHREWD Radcliffe-based home improvement company can certainly boast it's living in the material world by opening the only showroom of its kind in the north.

And the premises will act as a veritable shop window to show clients a host of building-related products and services.

National Home Improvements has spent £120,000 in converting two disused shops in Water Street into plush new headquarters which will open officially next Friday (March 21).

The company, whose three principals have a combined total of more than 100 years in the building trade, offer a range of home improvements, from paving, extensions, roofing and loft conversions right through to complete house building.

One of the firm's most recent successes involved the building of a five-a-side soccer pitch in Walshaw. But their ultimate goal is to become a major player in the home improvement market throughout the borough and beyond.

Mr David Franks, sales director, explained: "We reckon this showroom is unique and certainly the first one to open anywhere in the north of England."

The premises have been fitted with examples of printed and patterned driveways as well as a a range of roof line, brickwork, driveways, plastering and joinery displays.

"Most people who want to get their driveways done will go to a company or individual who want money up front. We don't. We simply do the job and if they're not happy, they don't pay.

"Before we go ahead with any work, our customers can come to our showroom and choose the materials they want. It means they can check everything before we begin and be quite happy about the quality and standard of our products."

He added: "Unfortunately, the construction industry can come in for a lot of criticism because of the activities of certain companies. But our showroom enables people to come down, have a cup of coffee and tell us what they want. We'll do something that is tailor-made for them."

David, together with managing director Trevor Bebbington and colleague Raymond Cocker who is responsible for surveys, have more than a combined 100 years within the building trade.

National Home Improvements, which is an independent company, employs a 27-strong staff and has been trading for six months.