A MEN'S social group that battle isolation are opening an extension they built themselves.

Romsey Men's Shed have a workshop in The Romsey School and are unveiling a £9,000 extension the group members built.

The group often hold 'Repair Sheds' every month for the public to get their small items repaired and also hold weekly meetings and social events.

The extension has started in March 2019 and is due to be complete this month - the official opening is in October and it will be opened by the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Martin Hatley.

Romsey Men's Shed chairman, Malcolm Kaill, said: "The men's shed brings older guys together to help the community.

"The idea to do it was an aim to combat social isolation - when we opened we successfully recruited more members and now we are at almost 40."

The shed is funded from money they had saved towards it, as well as them being recipients of The Gannet Foundation who gave them £2,000 towards it.

The Foundation is part of the Advertiser’s parent firm, which provides funding to registered charities in areas where Newsquest publishes newspapers and websites.

The men's shed is equipped like a typical man's shed, with benches and hand and machine tools.

Malcolm added: "We did it bit by bit and they all did it themselves, we did the building, plumbing and we are currently decorating the inside.

"It will be used for games, events, talks and more - it also has a kitchen.

The 69-year-old said: "I must give a big thanks to The Romsey School for letting us have our shed here."

The extension is seven meters by four.

After the extension, they will be recruiting new members to the men's shed, as well as hosting open days and activities - Malcolm said the details will be released nearer the time.

There are 400 sheds in the UK and close to 40 in Hampshire.

The Romsey Men's Shed's official opening is on Wednesday, October 30 at 11am, the shed is located at the gates of The Romsey School.

Their monthly repair shed starts on Saturday, October 5 at 10am and will be on the first Saturday of every month.

There will also be a new member recruitment day on Saturday, November 9 in Romsey Town Centre, followed by open mornings in the shed.