PLANS for a male-only club in Yate are well underway, according to a spokeswoman for Yate Town Council.

Following the success of similar initiatives in Patchway and Filton, the council are hoping to establish a men’s shed - a space where older men can come together to work on individual or community projects.

Cllr Sue Walker (Yate Central) said: “Yate has an ageing population and as such there are lots of retired men who could benefit from a men’s shed.

“It’s a really good opportunity for retirees, particularly those who have lost a partner, to come together and socialise.

“Women have lots of coffee groups and craft groups where they can get together, so this is something for the men.”

The non-profit men’s shed movement first began in Australia, where men discovered the value of coming together to socialise on a regular basis whilst completing practical tasks.

Activities take place in a larger version of an ordinary garden shed, and are usually attended by men who are at or beyond retirement age.

Typical tasks involve woodwork, metalwork, bike repair, gardening, electronics, tool renovation and model engineering.

Two sites are currently being considered for the Yate men's shed, but these are yet to be confirmed. 

Find out more about the movement here.