MALE carers from across Craven have been taking part in a range of activities, including clay pigeon shooting in Coniston Cold.

A free winter programme has been organised by the charity Carers' Resource, which has an office in Brook Street, Skipton, through its Men Care Too project.

An indoor golfing event was held at Rudding Park, in Harrogate, informal games nights have been staged at St Peter's Church, Shipley, and a campfire event took place at Hunters Greave Scout activity site, in Leeds.

Woodworking workshops have been held at various venues; while another group tried their hands at clay pigeon shooting at Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa, before tucking into lunch.

And other activities have included 'stroll and coffee' events, and jazz band workshops for instrumentalists and singers.

Carers have praised the project and spoken of how it has helped them.

One, Jack Widdop, says: "It has helped me to be my own person and to communicate better with others. It has also enabled me to build up friendships."

Bob Marshall, who started attending Men Care Too last October, says: "I took part in a bushcraft day, which was brilliant. I'm glad we've got this project – it's about having somewhere to go and other people I can see. You are able to meet up and do other things, rather than being a carer all the time."

Further activities are planned over the coming weeks.

Woodworking workshops are being held at Skipton Men's Shed on several Wednesdays this month, between 10am and noon.

There is a 'coffee and stroll' event on Wednesday, March 20. Carers are invited to meet at the Higher Ground Cafe, in Hirst Lane, Saltaire, at 10am, for a hot drink followed by an easy social walk.

A bushcraft camp weekend takes place at the Hunters Greave site on the weekend of March 16 and 17, and there will be a curry night too next month.

Another indoor golfing session at Rudding Park is being organised for next month, plus there will be more events for male carers in the Craven area.

A Men Care Too online forum takes place next Wednesday (February 21), at 6.30pm.

All Men Care Too events are free for male carers registered with Carers' Resource.

Further details about all upcoming events can be obtained from Goran Selby on goselby@carersresource.org For more about the range of services provided by Carers' Resource, visit carersresource.org