WATCH: Before and after caravan makeover - from a drab 'doer-upper' to a cheerful, autism-friendly space near Skegness

Sharon Weston sold her campervan to buy the old ‘doer-upper’ caravan, located at Happy Days Holiday Homes in Chapel St Leonards.

She then spent several weeks transforming the static home on a tight budget – trying her hand at everything from DIY and upholstery to interior design.

The result is a cheerful space filled with sensory touches perfect for neurodiverse families. Features such as interactive busy boards on walls, down to minute details such as characters faces sown onto sofa buttons – show the level of thought and creativity that has gone into producing the finished result.

“I felt strongly about making this an autism-friendly space,” said Sharon, "I’ve two grown-up children that both have autism and ADHD, which I also have myself. My daughter Chloe wasn’t diagnosed until she was at university, as girls often mask their symptoms in the classroom, but my son Cody, now 18, was only six or seven when he was diagnosed. He also has a sensory processing disorder."

Called the ‘Starfish Retreat’ – the new caravan now joins two others Sharon owns and rents out when her own family is not using them.

"In the summer we practically live in Chapel,” said Sharon, from Newark. “We have always taken our holidays in the Skegness area, and over the years I have noticed just how little autism-friendly things there are around here. I would like to make a plea to other businesses to consider doing more to cater for people with autism.”

Sharon says the caravan is now “90% finished” – with just the veranda due to be installed over the winter.

Since starting the caravan transformation, Sharon’s Facebook page ‘Seashore Retreats’ has grown from just 150 followers – to more than 6,200.

One commented: “Looks beautiful, well done,” while another said: “I wish more people would make there vans autism friendly.”

“Everyone has said how much this type of holiday accommodation is needed,” Sharon added. “We already have lots of people asking to book with us.”

She offered thanks to her husband Alan, the owners and staff at Happy Days, and everyone who supported the project.