It has been quite the first 12 months for members of the Men’s Shed.

Sidmouth Herald: Tony Pugh collects a cheque from Waitrose's Community Matters scheme.Tony Pugh collects a cheque from Waitrose's Community Matters scheme. (Image: Archant)

A scheme bringing men together to socialise and learn new skills has celebrated its first birthday.

The Men’s Shed in Ottery was set up in November 2016 and has grown considerably in the course of 12 months, operating from its base at The Station in Barrack Road.

The shed has 25 active members and now operates twice a week with members working on individual, group and commissioned projects.

Mike Hemming, secretary for the group, said: “What has been the best thing that has come from this is the different people that come down here and they are from all walks of life and they all get along so well together.

The shed has also become a charity and is looking to secure funding to help with its plans to build a bigger shed, as it has already outgrown its current space.

The Men’s Shed received an added boost after generous shoppers supported them in a recent round of Waitrose’s Community Matter scheme.

The shed received £178 from the Sidmouth store and have spent the money on a new router table.

For more information about the Men’s Shed scheme, visit menssheds.org.uk