A community group in Ellesmere Port has received a £1,000 donation towards materials for woodwork, metalwork and creative craft activities thanks to a neighbouring homebuilder.

Anwyl Homes' new development, The Oaks at Rossbank, is next door to The Port Men in Sheds base at the Rossmore Industrial Estate and the group was chosen to receive one of several grants distributed from the company’s ‘Love from Anwyl’ funding pot to help local not-for-profit organisations in Ellesmere Port.

The Port Men in Sheds offers a place for men to meet and talk, with facilities to undertake activities such as woodwork, metalwork, craft, creative and recreational activities.

Set up to promote social inclusion and support the needs of men affected by isolation or loneliness, its members may have been impacted by retirement, unemployment, bereavement, old age, disability, illness or mental health issues.

Donations have previously been made to causes like the Friends of Mount Farm Way Pond.

Mike Doherty, chair of The Port Men in Sheds, said: "Our members all support each other when they meet and it’s a great place to learn new skills. We also have some really talented attendees who kindly share their skills with others.

"We are very much part of the wider community too, so we work with and support other projects, charities and voluntary organisations when they need us."

Occupying two-floors of a large warehouse, facilities include a dedicated machine shop and a workshop area. The upper floors boast a gymnasium, pool table and a computer / music room. On the ground floor is a kitchen and adjoining mess room for those who just want a cuppa and a chat.

Graeme Gibb, sales director for Anwyl Homes Cheshire and North Wales, said: "The Men in Sheds project provides a brilliant place for men to meet, socialise and learn and share skills.

"Our site team has seen first-hand how much the project means to the people who attend regularly – everyone has a different reason for being there.

"It’s a privilege to support the Ellesmere Port Men in Sheds group through our Love from Anwyl fund."

Love From Anwyl is a voluntary scheme attached to 130 new homes being built at The Oaks at Rossbank.

It’s in addition to local investment agreed during the planning process. The company states that the development features a sales centre and show homes, alongside the new homes, a multi-use games area, football pitch and that green spaces will be created to accompany the build.

The Port Men in Sheds is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm. To find out more visit: https://theportmeninsheds.org.uk/