CRAFT skills will be "growing" in popularity at Bury-based allotments.

For a new craft centre, complete with a range of tools and other equipment, has opened at the Walnut Avenue allotments.

It's the latest addition to the thriving horticultural training and resource centre which is benefiting not just allotment members but the community at large.

The craft centre also offers tuition for the public who will be trained in joinery skills and the use of the equipment. The new attraction is being operated by the Walnut Avenue Allotments Association.

Mr Mel Smart, Association secretary, said: "The centre has been fully fitted out with all sorts of electric saws, planers and drills. This is all for the community who can come in and make things like window boxes and anything of that fashion. They will also learn how to make these things and will be trained by qualified people.

"They will also be shown how to use the equipment we have in the craft centre," added Mel, who is a qualified wood machinist. "The building is a big pre-fabricated garage."

Costs of the £3,500 structure were met through Bury Council's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) and the centre has also been equipped with £2,000 worth of machinery and tools.

The centre will be open for training each Sunday between 9am and noon, and members of the public can also come along in daylight hours during the week.

The community can buy their own wood and use the centre to make a variety of goods. But because of the nature of the equipment provided, training is deemed essential.