A MEN'S group has been awarded £600 from Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties to help fund new flooring in their headquarters.

Nursling Men’s Shed was created to help men with their wellbeing by providing a space where men can form friendships and feel comfortable talking while doing something active.

The group is currently based at St Boniface Church, Church Lane, and were challenged to refurbish the space by the Parochial Church Council in return for a rent-free period, which has been extended due to the pandemic.

Once the work has been completed, the Nursling Men's Shed hopes to hold an official opening later this year.

Nursling Men’s Shed chairman, Graham Gowman, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic hit us hard and we are extremely grateful for Taylor Wimpey’s donation to help us finish the floor.

“The donation is great for the morale of our members and will make a big difference to the community.

"We hope that once the hall is finished we can invite more groups to enjoy the space with us."

He added: "We are hoping to hold an official opening later in the year once all the refurbishments at the hall have been completed.”

Sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties, Roz Wells, said: "We know the group plays an important role in the local community and provides a safe place for members to explore their creative side whilst looking after their mental health.

“The work Nursling Men’s Shed are doing is fantastic and when we heard they were refurbishing the hall we were more than happy to help.

“Giving back to the communities in which we build is a big part of what we do, and we were pleased to be able to contribute to new hall flooring.”

The Men's Shed members can also work on their projects or help with the many community initiatives the group is involved with.

The group are members of the UK Men’s Shed Association.