A COMMUNITY initiative in the Vale of Clwyd is all set to open its doors to women.

Denbigh Men's Shed has been a prominent feature in the town for a number of years and now plans are in place for women to make the most of the many facilities on offer.

A mixed shed will be launched on Wednesdays, after the venue hosts its open day on May 25.

Denbigh Men's Shed trustee Catherine Jones said: "We ackowledge some gentlemen come with a carer and quite often, the carer is a woman.

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"A lot of women have lost their husband and were stuck in the house during the pandemic.

"We are hoping we can draw them out.

"It will be a lot like the Men's Shed."

Denbigh Men's Shed is currently open on Thursdays and Fridays, between 10am and 2pm, to all ages.

Meanwhile, the mixed shed will take place each Wednesday, also between 10am and 2pm.

Last summer, Plaid Cymru North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd welcomed the re-opening of the project at Trefeirian on the outskirts of the town, describing it as a "lifeline in challenging times".

Mr Gruffydd visited the site and met with Men's Shed coordinator Nathan Sarea as well as volunteers at the project, which has created an extensive garden and also provides opportunities to learn new crafts and skills.

There are a number of other activities available to people at the shed, with three pottery wheels also in place.

"We have still got a big garden and we hope it will save women from being isolated and give them an opportunity to make new friends," added Catherine.

"The men are hoping to repair some of the benches and we are looking at having a wildlife project, where they can make bird-boxes and hedgehog boxes.

"We want to put some at the bottom of the garden and we are hoping to put a camera there, to see what happens during night-time!"

Denbigh Men's Shed's open day will be run between 10am and 3pm on May 25.

It will offer an opportunity for people to look around and see the great work being done there.

The gardens, workshop and the main building will be available, while the men will be there selling items such as candle holders, cards, chopping boards, clocks and bird boxes.

Further information is available from denbighmensshed@hotmail.com