ROSS-on-Wye Men’s Shed has been treated to some truly cutting-edge machinery thanks to a grant from National Highways which is working on a nearby road scheme.

The Men’s Shed, located on the Ashburton Industrial Estate, invites retired and semi-retired men to make an active contribution to the local community by repairing, renovating and recycling items.

To support the not-for-profit organisation, National Highways - which is carrying out repairs on the A40 at Leys Bend at the Doward/ Ganarew following a rockfall – has donated £9,000 to cover the expense of some costly new tools.

The team now have a power lathe and dust extractor to help with their valuable work as well as a costly Computer Numerical Control router which automates cutting, carving, drilling, and engraving.

The donation also enabled the charity to put down new flooring in the refreshment area of their workshop.

National Highways route manager, Joseph Walmsley, said: “We are always very grateful for people’s patience and understanding when we are working in or near their communities. Which is why it is important to us to try to give a little something back to those communities when we can.

“The Men’s Shed is doing a fantastic job supporting the local community as well as offering companionship for those who attend and teaching them new skills. We were very happy to help out with a grant from our Community Legacy Fund.

“We are also grateful to our contractors Morgan Sindall for highlighting this very worthy cause and helping organise the donation.”

Mark Gunn, secretary of the Men’s Shed, said: “We’re really grateful for the donation of additional funds by National Highways as it has allowed us to purchase resources that would otherwise be out of our financial grasp. The provision of new flooring really improves the refreshment area for members.”