Extreme Makeover: Harris Family

But every cloud has a silver lining. And in Watts that silver lining is ''Sweet'' Alice Harris, a devoted community activist who has dedicated her life to changing the lives of others. Happiest when she's cooking Thanksgiving suppers for 400 homeless folk, or handing out Christmas presents to 3,000 kids, she really does deserve the title 'America's grandmother'.

When flash floods hit Watts Sweet Alice's home and possessions were destroyed. And worse was still to come when the insurance refused to pay out. For once, Sweet Alice needed some help of her own... enter Ty and the team!

With parts of the Harris home not up to building regs, the team set about demolition. A huge new kitchen with two stoves, two sinks and a 12-seater table is soon installed. Grandson Warwick, jazz aficionado, will be sleeping in a bed made from a piano sawn in two, and granddaughter Ashley's bedroom becomes a gorgeous leafy fairy glen with tree and hammock. As for Sweet Alice, why a waterfall in her bedroom of course! Plus obligatory walk-in closet and cavernous en suite.

With the team making swift progress, Ty takes a tour of the community and decides it's not just Sweet Alice who needs help. In no time at all he's supervising mini-makeovers for all the houses on the block, handing out new mattresses and fixing appliances. The school gets new computers and the basketball court is resurfaced. Fair brings a tear to the eye.

Despite more rain, the entire community turns out for the reveal, including gospel choir and LAPD. The 'toystore' in the back garden is a lovely touch and don't miss the arrival of the enormous 'barbeque', roughly the same size as a Chelsea 4x4.

See Extreme Makeover: Home Edition an Introduction for more details and get up close and personal with the team in Meet Ty Pennington and Meet Michael Moloney.