A NEW Men's Shed has been officially opened.

The facility is based at Myrtle Park in Bingley, and caters for people from the town and Bingley Rural, which includes Denholme and Cullingworth.

Men’s Sheds are a network of community spaces where men can get together to chat and take part in a range of creative activities.

The Bingley venture was founded last autumn, and became a registered charity in November.

Trustees have now completed work on the shed, in buildings provided by Bradford Council’s parks and open spaces department, and are ready to open it up for workshop days. They are keen to welcome new members.

Amongst those providing support for the project are the Bradford Council Shipley area office, Bingley Town Council and community partnership Bingley Bubble.

A spokesperson says: "The Men’s Shed is a place to make new friends and learn and share skills, and it provides opportunities to engage in community projects, all of which results in an increased sense of purpose and self-esteem for members. The Bingley shed is already attracting both older and younger men, as well as women members.

"They are community spaces where people can connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those carried out in garden sheds, but for groups to enjoy together. It helps reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, it's fun!"

The Bingley and Bingley Rural initiative has grown from a Men’s Shed development project run by Community First Yorkshire, which has also resulted in similar facilities being launched in other parts of the Bradford district.

Existing Men's Sheds include The Lion's Den, in the grounds of Keighley's Cliffe Castle Museum.

The official opening of the Bingley and Bingley Rural shed has been performed by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love.

He says: "I was delighted to be asked to carry out the official opening ceremony.

"These spaces are great places for people to get out and come together to share existing skills and learn new ones, as well as meet new people."

Other guests at the ceremony included the former Bradford South MP and one-time Government minister Gerry Sutcliffe, who is now deputy chair of the UK Men’s Shed Association.

He spoke at the event about the Men’s Shed movement.

Further information about the Bingley & Bingley Rural venture can be found by searching on Facebook.

For more about Men's Sheds, visit menssheds.org.uk.