The Gorleston Men’s Shed group is inviting women to join and share their skills, aiming to expand the range of talents within the group and enhance the socialising aspects.

Men’s Sheds are popular across the UK, with more than 1,000 active sites offering a chance to chat amongst the clatter of hammering and sawing.

These sites provide a space for men to connect, learn, and be creative.

Gorleston Men's Shed is based at Yare House, Morton Peto Road, on the site of the Centre 81 charity

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Its chairman, Steve Ward, said: “Men’s Sheds get involved in lots of fascinating and unusual projects but ultimately they exist to provide a space where people can come together to be creative, learn from each other and feel part of things again."

Eager to welcome women, Mr Ward further stated: "We feel it’s a really positive thing to do.”

The newly-equipped Shed plans an open day on September 12, to display their work and rally new members to join.

Mr Ward said members can undertake their own projects, getting support and advice from others, or work together on community activities. “But there is no obligation to do either,” he said.

He added: “People can just come along for a chat and a cuppa if they prefer.

"We would also welcome those with business, management or leadership skills who could help us to expand.”

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The Gorleston Men’s Shed is open to all aged 18 and above, meeting every Thursday at 11am.

As the memberships increase, the Shed hopes to offer more sessions on other days.

Keen to gain local business support, the group would be delighted to receive donations of materials, particularly timber offcuts.

Interested local businesses and potential new members, both men and women, are warmly invited to become a part of this expanding, socially-engaging group.