In the heart of Brampton there's a place where wood turning, sanding, cutting and craftsmanship is enjoyed by more than 30 people.

Based at The Hut at the town's community centre in Union Lane, The Brampton Woodworkers Club is celebrating 10 years in existence - but in order to survive in needs to keep numbers up.

The group is urging new members of all abilities to join their group to reap the benefits of learning a new skill and meeting new people.

Tutor Jane Angus is employed to supervise sessions and help with any projects people are working on.

She said: "It's great seeing everybody making stuff and being really proud of themselves.

"People get such a sense of achievement out of coming. There's also the social side of it. They can come in and be with like minded people.

"I just love giving them a hand to achieve their goals."

She continued: "We would love to have new members. There isn't many facilities like this anymore. There used to be night classes but they've died out.

"It's for any level. You could have never done this before and go away with something you have made.

"The club is really important, especially for retired people. There is an awful lot of people out there twiddling their thumbs and all this is here."

Jane, who has almost 30 years experience, also helps people with projects they have at home by offering skills and advice at the club.

"We had one man who made a shed and took it home piece by piece on the bus. He lived in Gilsland," she added.

Many of the members said it would not be possible without her.

"It's not just her skills. She is great with people and makes people feel really welcome. I can't imagine the club without her," said Tim Patterson of Haltwhistle.

The 64-year-old trained as a furniture designer got back into it after retiring. His wife was terminally ill with cancer and it got to a point where he was struggling.

He's now been a member of the club for four years. "It is the best club ever," he said. "It really did save my life, it's fantastic. It turned me around from a difficult place."

Anita Laird, 73, of Hayton, said: "It's time out to relax with good company. I like doing things with my hands and get a good sense of achievement."

Her most recent project is a new top for her dining room table. She's making it from firewood she thought was too nice to burn. She's also crafted a hedgehog from the woo, which will take pride of place in her home.

Over the years she's made jewellery boxes, a garden bench and a bookcase, among others.

Doug Martin, 67, of Brampton, has been a member for about six years.

"I had a door that needed fixing and I thought I could do it myself if I had access to the tools. I didn't have a clue what I was doing and Jane helped me out," he said.

"Watching what other people are doing you learn from them."

He enjoyed it so much he continued and has since made chairs, tables and benches. This year he's set to embark on his biggest project to date, to build a summer house he has designed for his garden.

Tim, who is also the treasurer, explained that about £9,000 a year is needed to keep the club going - to fund tuition and pay rent to the community centre for use of the building. This is covered through grant funding, donations and subscriptions.

The club, a registered charity, runs 10 week course at the workshop - which is fully equipped with lathes, work benches, a band saw, pillar drill and a small range of hand tools - and members bring in their own materials.