An Oakham-based project bringing women together to share skills and friendship in Rutland is now up-and-running.

Women in Sheds launched two weeks ago and follows in the footsteps of the successful Men in Sheds initiative.

Ten ladies have already signed up to the Thursday sessions which run from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

New member Linda Burrows told Oakham Nub News: "I am having a ball.

"In the first two weeks we have been finishing and adding flourishes to the festive products the men have created - fulfilling orders as well as items to sell at events in the run up to Christmas to generate funds to put back into the project.

"I've been learning a host of new skills - including how to make Christmas trees from repurposed wooden pallets - and training on the equipment."

While Linda is a keen DIYer and enjoys crafting, she's a self-confessed 'complete novice' when it comes to using the extensive range of tools and machinery available.

"This is taking things to the next level and I'm learning new skills.

"It's also a great opportunity to work on much bigger projects. I intend refurbishing a garden bench I was bequeathed when I have gained the skill set.

"There is also the social element, it's amazing to be able to get together with like-minded women."

Both Women in Sheds and Men in Sheds are held at Unit 2A Oakham Enterprise Park, with charity Age UK providing paid co-ordinator Brian Lee and Rutland County Council supporting the cost of the premises.

Brian said: "Already the new members of Women in Sheds are acquiring new skills and growing in confidence.

"They have been a tremendous asset to the Christmas projects worked on by Men in Sheds. They are very creative and have an eye for detail so their input has proved extremely useful."

On the surface, the sheds are an opportunity for older people to come together and spend time working on practical tasks.

But craft is also the facilitator for conversation and friendship.

The success of the projects hinges on co-production, with members sharing their time and skills, involved in shaping what goes on at the sheds and taking on commissioned work to generate income to keep the projects going.

From April next year the sheds will need to become more financially independent, which will require more members and volunteer helpers being recruited.

"The more people who attend and the more volunteers who can staff sessions, the more sustainable and self-sufficient they will become," added Brian.

The shed projects will feature in BBC East Midlands Today programme at 5.45pm tomorrow (Sun).

And members will be selling their decorative festive items today (Sat) at the Early Bird Christmas Sparkle Fair in Langham Village Hall and at Tesco's Oakham store on Saturday, 7 December, from 9am to 5pm.

Men in Sheds runs on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Women in Sheds on Thursday. Newcomers are shown how to use the tools and machinery so there's no need to have previous practical experience.

Each sessions costs £2.50 and anyone who wants to join can either turn up or call Brian Lee on 01572 720319 or email [email protected].