TRYING to sell your home but haven't had any joy? Who you gonna call? A house doctor, of course!

Design consultant Liz Leighton, 53, of Blackburn, works from her base in Manchester Road, Burnley.

She decided to become a house doctor after receiving several requests for help from desperate people trying to sell their houses.

For a consultation fee of £50 she helps harassed homeowners with anything from improvements to the "de-cluttering" their properties.

Offering makeover advice to help houses reach their full potential, Liz can usually find a quick fix to any problem.

She reckons there are three easy steps to making a house sell.

These are to simplify, lighten up and de-clutter.

Although it is still early days, Liz has helped a few friends to make the all-important alterations for a house sale.

She said: "When people step into a house they want to see a space they can move their stuff into. They do not want to be confronted by masses of personal clutter.

"It is also a good idea to make sure that as much light as possible is getting into the rooms."

A new paint of coat or two may also be needed.

She added: "Really strong colours are a no-no.

"If a person wants to redecorate for a sale they should choose the right colour scheme."

Liz, who has 10 years' experience of designing exhibition stands, has worked on all kinds of projects. She got the idea of becoming a house doctor following the rise in popularity of DIY home shows like Changing Rooms, with Carole Smillie.

She has travelled the world with her exhibitions, including Pakistan and Germany, and aims to put her vast knowledge of textiles into good use when helping people sell their homes.

The mother-of-two said: "All this has stemmed from my experiences working on exhibitions. Many people have asked me to come and help them in their homes to make improvements so I am really looking forward to this aspect of my work.

"I have spent a long time researching the role of a house doctor and aim to help people sell their homes quicker and hopefully help them get a better price.

"I have made several moves and know how hard it can be. It takes time and and sometimes takes a look from somebody on the outside to help make those vital changes".

If anybody would like to find out more about Liz's services they should contact her on 01282 438321.