For a long time sheds have generally been considered the domain of men, but this is not the case in Cockermouth - where a group of women can regularly be seen hard at work creating beautiful furniture in The Shed.

For years a glass-fronted Crown Street building, opposite Wordsworth House, has been home to Men in Sheds, an Age UK project. 

A weekly group for women has now been launched and is proving a big success.

The members mend wooden furniture donated to the charity, or work on their own projects. Upcycled goods can then be sold in the charity's Lowther Went shop to help support the continuation of The Shed project.

Age UK's Cockermouth co-ordinator Sarah Bromiley said: "All abilities are welcome. Friendly help is available for beginners that wish to learn new practical skills with wood, try up-cycling used furniture or start a project from scratch. 

"Members can put their skills to good use, share their knowledge, learn new techniques and put the world to rights over a cup of tea! 

"The project was designed to support people who want to get together, socialise, make new friends and learn new skills."

Jacqui Gavin, 50, lives on Sullart Street and is renovating her house. She was delighted to hear about The Shed, where she could learn new skills and share the ones she has acquired. 

She is doing a plumbing course at college in Workington and plans to do joinery next year.

"I'm doing the course because I wanted to understand more and be more practical. I also found out how much it would cost to pay someone!

"It's great to have this space in The Shed and all the equipment. We can experiment together and support each other, " she said.

"It's also a lovely way to feel a part of the town."

As well as enjoying working alongside the other women, she has been able to get advice from the male members.

"Many of them have years of experience and can provide advice on the best way to do things," said Jacqui, who is making an upholstered window seat.

Dorothy Hair, 69, of Harcourt, Workington, chanced upon The Shed while visiting town with her daughter, Alison Walsh, 42.

The two of them have been coming regularly ever since. Dorothy bought an oak chair from the charity shop for £3 and has painstakingly cleaned, sanded and rejoined it.

"I have learned new skills, made new friends and sandpapered my nails away but it's been absolutely fantastic. We have a lot of laughs.

"It would take me forever to do something like this at home as I don't have the space and tools," said Dorothy.

"My daughter loves it too. She's been helping me with the chair."

The Shed is open 10am to 4pm for men on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The ladies' session is on Tuesday, from 1pm to 4pm. For more information contact Sarah Bromiley on 01900 822870.