A COMMUNITY workshop for men aimed at relieving social isolation and encouraging new friendships is expanding to offer women's sessions after the success of three taster days.

For the last three Fridays, Northallerton Men’s Shed has invited women along to its base at the auction mart on the Applegarth.

Projects were part prepared, but most of the women got an opportunity to learn new skills on band saw, lathe and pillar drill plus lots of assembly work.

The days had an average attendance of 15, with excellent feedback received on the experience. The sessions were held with a view to starting a permanent ladies day, hopefully eventually run by women, and organisers have now anounced that from January 21, the shed will open for "ladies days" every Friday from 10am to 4pm.

A spokesperson said :"Northallerton Men’s Shed is going from strength to strength since it relocated in Northallerton town centre, with membership growing every week.

"Sheds are about meeting like minded people, having fun, sharing skills and knowledge and gaining a new sense of purpose and belonging.

"The Northallerton Men’s Shed, by holding these taster days is endeavouring to reach out to other groups and individuals to try and share this very important sense of community and helping all to benefit from it."

Anyone are interested in getting involved in the organisation can contact Dave Puttock on 07738 63163, email northallertonshed@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page.