MEMBERS of a Men’s Shed group got to work when shopping centre bosses asked them to build planters for entrances to the mall.

The Barrhead Men’s Shed quickly set about its task and went at it hammer and tongs to make the eight wooden structures at intu Braehead, in Renfrew.

Each planter is now filled with flowers, brightening up the shopping experience for those making their way inside.

The Barrhead Men’s Shed is based at an industrial unit in the town’s Robertson Street and was set up four years ago to give men – and women – over the age of 50 a place to meet and take part in creative work and recreational activities.

It also plays a role in meeting the social, health and well-being needs of its 35 members as members can speak with and receive help from trained professionals who are willing to listen to their problems.

The Community Fund at intu Braehead had previously donated £500 to the Men’s Shed and the mall’s management were so impressed by the standard of work being done there that they placed an order for the planters.

Alex Storrie, Barrhead Men’s Shed chairman, said: “Most of the work we do is woodwork and carpentry and we’ve got some really skilled craftsmen who show other members how to create things from pieces of timber.

“We were delighted to get the order for intu Braehead.”

Lydia Brown, community development manager for intu Braehead, said: “I was hugely impressed by the work that goes on at the Men’s Shed, in Barrhead.

“When we had the idea of brightening up the centre with plants and flowers we had no hesitation in buying the planters from them.”