Maldon Men's Shed provides loneliness retreat

Men in Essex have been heading for the shed to help conquer loneliness and isolation after finding themselves at a loss.

The shed has long been a sanctuary at the bottom of the garden where men can escape to while fixing and tinkering with things.

But in Maldon, the Men's Shed - as it is known - has a more serious purpose, to help get members out of the house, make new friends and work together.

Member Steven Troop said it's helped ease his stress.

"I was lonely because there were things I was battling in my head that I didn't want to share with my partner or her family," he said.

The Maldon site is one of 350 in the UK, with 7,000 national members.