A NEW concept in hobby skills which developed in Australia, has winged its way to Stow.

Men in Sheds involves providing a workshop where men - and women - generally those in later life can go along and use tools and equipment to learn a new skill or hone old ones.

It is also a place for meeting in a relaxing atmosphere while being involved in productive activities.

Bob Hoyes, from Stow, has helped organise a Men in Sheds base in the town which is situated behind Chamberlayne House.

There is already a workbench and some tools though he would like people to donate more items, including machinery and pieces of wood.

"The shed is open on Fridays from 10am to 4pm and people can come and go as they please. We will make you a cup of tea," he said.

The shed already has had support from Bromford, Vodaphone, Cotswold Friends, Stow Pharmacy, Travis Perkins, Screwfix and Buckland Trust.

Mr Hoyes said he was also going to approach Stow Town Council for a grant to help with ongoing costs.