WEST Wight Men in Sheds are building for their future with the opening of their new home at Totland Recreation Ground.

The group of men, who meet up on a regular basis and undertake community projects, have transformed the old rundown changing rooms after being gifted them by Totland Parish Council.

Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Derek Sandy did the honours by cutting the ribbon and welcoming visitors to the premises.

Shed chairman David Waldock said: "The inside needed complete renovation and we knock everything through and lay new flooring.

"We have put in our own machinery but we are in the process of applying for grants to get some more.

"We're very grateful to about 30 local and Island companies who have all contributed to help us set up.

"We're elated but it's been a lot of hard work. However, now it has come to fruition, it's brilliant."

The men originally met one afternoon a week at a shed at Turf Walk, Totland — still home to the Totland Men in Sheds group.

But the new premises mean they can open between 10am and 3pm each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

They have been involved in several community projects including painting the outside of the FYT Bus offices in Totland, as well as doing work at West Wight Sports and Community Centre and the Archaeological Discovery Centre at Fort Victoria.

They are currently supported by the Age UK Men in Sheds scheme but this stops next March and they are looking ahead for help with funding their running costs over the next five years.

IW Council chairman, Cllr George Cameron, also attended the event, as did representative of Freshwater and Totland Parish Councils and some of the companies who have supported the project.

There was also a barbecue and entertainment from Newport and Wootton Music Sheds.

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