THE new Dunfermline Men's Shed got off to a "flying start" with its first public meeting.

Around 50 people gathered at the Vine Centre on Saturday to hear more about the project and how beneficial it could be for West Fife.

The event was organised to launch the idea of a Men's Shed in Dunfermline and to enlist support.

A spokesperson told the Press: "Tim Green, of Age Scotland, described how the 200 Men's Sheds across Scotland bring men together to share practical projects and to enjoy each other's company, often as an alternative to the pub.

"Dawn Sherriff, an occupational therapist working at Queen Margaret Hospital, talked about the role of Men's Sheds in staving off isolation and Alzheimer's for older men.

"Mike Mowat, from Glenrothes Men's Shed, told the meeting how that thriving club came into being and assured Dunfermline Men's Shed that money would be available from a wide variety of funders to support the project.

"Ron Skirving, acting chairman of the steering committee for Dunfermline Men's Shed, said that the exciting possibility existed of creating a Men's Shed and Tool Library in Pittencrieff Park.

"He added that he and everybody else involved was working to create something valuable not just for ourselves but for future generations."

To find out more about Dunfermline Men's Shed, visit: www.dunfermlineshed.org.uk