Pictured: Mick Lomas, project manager for FHM; Pauline Bonser, and Andy Jackson project manager

It was a race against time, but Frank Haslam Milan did the work against the odds. The specialist construction and regeneration firm fitted an amazing 709 solar panels in 50 days in Nottingham.

FHM, working for Nottingham City Homes (NCH), worked against the clock to meet the government deadline for the solar panels to be fitted to homes across Nottingham.

FHM contractors worked day and night to complete the fit for NCH. During a particularly busy period, FHM fitted up to 30 properties a day with solar panel installations.

Mark Rodda, head of sustainability at FHM, said: "It has been an amazing challenge for FHM to complete so many panels in this period of time. I am absolutely delighted with our contractors - our scaffolders, roofers and electricians, who have made this possible."

FHM was one of three contractors working for NCH which says that 1,333 tenants across the city will benefit from cheaper electricity thanks to the scheme.

One couple who have benefited from the scheme are Pauline and Keith Bonser who live in Trefan Gardens, Top Valley. They jumped at the chance of having solar panels fitted to the roof of their home.

Pauline, 72, said: "I didn't know whether we would be eligible as we have a small property, but we did and I was really pleased that we were. Keith and I are both pensioners and so all the pennies count. I am looking forward to seeing the results on my bills.

"My neighbours are also elderly and we have all had the panels fitted. We were all really keen to get them and look forward to saving some panel. Apparently, we will see the benefits straight away."

80-year-old Keith, who has a lung disease, uses an oxygen machine 15 hours a day. He has a mobility scooter which needs charging 12 hours a day. The Bonsers say that they use a lot of electricity for these devices - and that the cost savings from the solar panels will really benefit them.

"The process was quick and easy," said Pauline. "The contractors came and put up the panels in one day. It was really easy."

The consultation on solar panels and the Feed in Tariff ends on 23 December with the decision on the final rate following. This will affect private home owners as well as social housing tenants.