A 'man's shed' is traditionally a place for hard-pressed chaps to get away from it all and immerse themselves in the joy of being practical and tinkering with tools.

And now a Great Yarmouth charity is looking to recreate a similar shared space where men can go to learn new DIY skills and brush-up on their decorating prowess.

Following a successful application to the Big Lottery Awards for All programme, First Move Furnishaid is holding a series of open mornings at the Artillery Drill Hall on Nelson Road Central, to discuss their new plans and to hear local views on what more the charity can do to assist people living and working in the town.

The charity has been providing services at the same venue since 1991, with a focus on supporting people who are on low incomes, un-waged and unemployed, through various services including furniture donations and re-distribution, job searching, and support to get on-line.

The open days are free to anyone to attend, and the charity is particularly keen to speak to local men of all ages, who might be interested in volunteering for a new Great Yarmouth Men's Sheds type project.

The Men's Sheds approach will support the re-development of a workshop space at the Artillery Drill Hall which will be available to men to use in whatever ways they need, such as to share and learn new skills, meet new people and gain access to tools and equipment.

Patricia Page, chairman of First Move Furnishaid, said: 'We have been talking to lots of local people over the last few months, and what has been really clear is the lack of workshop spaces that people could use for free, and where you could learn how to fix or build things, and find support or a volunteer who could offer help and assistance for different types of practical jobs, such as help with decorating or DIY.'

The next open morning is taking place on Friday, February 24 between 10.30am and 12.30pm, at the Artillery Drill Hall, Nelson Road Central, Great Yarmouth.

They are described as very informal. Volunteers will be on hand to offer tea or coffee and to chat about the charity and what services or activities it could provide in the future.

For more information contact Michael or Mark on 01493 854551.