The man hoping his safe-place shed comes out ahead

Sean Ruane, who opened a bar in his garden shed, is in the running for Shed of the Year 2024

A man who opened a makeshift bar in his garden shed says it has become a safe space for friends and family to chat through challenges.

But it is not just pensioner Sean Ruane who thinks his "Bar With No Name" is a good idea - it is in the running to be named Shed of the Year 2024.

That means other sheds are looking to come out ahead instead. But to clinch the coveted title those wooden oases of calm will have to trump the philosophy behind the welcoming spot in Stockton Brook, Stoke-on-Trent.

A "problem shared is a problem halved", the Stoke City fan said of the concept for his cosy castle, describing it as a retreat for close ones to reflect.

The shed has become a retreat for friends and family

The shed, which measures 18ft by 12ft (5.4m by 3.6m), was formally opened last year by former Stoke City player Ricardo Fuller who, Mr Ruane said, "came for 10 minutes and stayed for the day".

Mr Ruane said he started building the shed during the Covid pandemic, spending his pension money to purchase the structure from a firm in Leek.

He explained: "I never thought that it would mean so much to so many people. That, to me, is the whole reason it's been so worthwhile."

He said people had been visiting to tell their stories of grief, adding the shed was a place for his family to reflect after his daughter's partner died.

"He was only 30. They were planning to have kids and buy a house. His death devastated us all," Mr Ruane said.

"This shed was our space to go and reflect. We had so many people visit us and share happy memories of him.

"That led on to other people to come and visit us and share their pain."

The bar, which also has a 55-inch TV, a sofa and a reclining chair, has been selected in the final 12 in the competition's cabin/summerhouses category.