BROMSGROVE's Age UK DIY group has built a Land Rover play car for first school students.

Stoke Prior First School pupils were greeted with a new addition to their playground after may half term, thanks to the hard work of Bromsgrove 'Men in Sheds'.

The group embarked on a project to make a play car for the children using pallets and other recycled materials after creating bespoke benches for the school’s Forest Cabin in 2019.

Stoke Prior First School’s Head Teacher, Mr Satchwell said: “We have been really pleased to accept an amazing play vehicle hand made by the Men in Sheds.

"The vehicle sits proudly in the Reception area of our school, and it has been a huge hit with the children.

"They are all really enjoying the role-playing opportunities that it offers, and they are regularly off on safari seeing all sorts of wild animals.

"What makes this vehicle even more special, is that it has been made entirely from repurposed materials and this is fantastic as we teach the children the importance of sustainability and recycling. From everyone at Stoke Prior, thank you!”

After restrictions were relaxed on May 17 the shedders got to work on the car after a 15 month break due to the Covid pandemic.

Jo Hughes from Age UK BRWF said: “We are so glad that, after all this time, the car is now creating some fun and adventure, and is benefitting the local community. It is also so good to have the Shedders back.

"We have all come to appreciate the importance of ‘social connections’ these last 15+ months.

"Initiatives such as Bromsgrove Men In Sheds are really important with helping to prevent and tackle loneliness - with the measures that have been taken to help combat Covid-19 (including social distancing, shielding and lockdown), groups such as the Shed have never been needed more and it is important that we ensure that they can continue."

The Men in Sheds initiative originates from an Australian project started in the 1990’s, called Men’s Sheds, as a way of tackling loneliness and social isolation in older men where retirement can mean loss of status and contact.