A COMMUNITY shed project has been given a £250 boost to help it continue to run.

The project is run by Age UK County Durham at its retail superstore on the Belmont Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Durham.

The Community Shed is a hub for people of all ages to take part in practical activities, including furniture upcycling, arts, crafts and woodcraft while socialising and spending time with other people.

The City of Durham Freemen donated £250 to support the project, which has worked with more than 100 people since it started last spring.

Eric Bulmer, who chairs the freemen’s charitable trust, said “The Shed cultivates a friendly and supportive atmosphere which is important in enhancing people’s lives and self-worth.

"We are delighted to be able to play a part in helping their work to continue.”

As well as repairing, upcycling and painting donated furniture so it can be resold by the charity, activities at the shed have included craft sessions, where participants have made Christmas wreaths, greeting cards and textile crafts, and sessions for teenagers with special support needs.

A men's woodcraft group has also been working in the shed, and have been making bird boxes, feeders, planters, hedgehog houses and garden furniture.

The gift will be used towards the cost of additional materials and tutors to support creative activities in the Community Shed in 2020.