The Mayor of Winchester has praised a charity for its work with people with learning disabilities.

Councillor Russell Gordon-Smith visited The Boaz Project, based at Hill Farm near Sutton Scotney, to learn more and explore its refurbished woodwork machine shop.

The Boaz Project is a farm-based charity that helps provide a better future for people with learning disabilities.

The mayor said: "It is hard to overstate my admiration for The Boaz Project, which runs on a site of some four acres. The staff and volunteers teach groups of adults with special needs useful skills, looking after hens, sheep and a donkey or two, growing vegetables and flowers, cooking meals for the group and making craft goods.

"The members learn to work, to socialise, and to value and take care of themselves.

Boaz Project General Manager Stuart Palmer and three of the project’s members Julian, Oliver and William, with the Mayor and Mayoress (Image: Winchester City Council and The Boaz Project) "I experienced a wonderful, caring atmosphere and people taking care of animals, plants and each other, outdoors in fresh air and I take my hat off to all involved."

Stuart Palmer, general manager at The Boaz Project, said: "It was lots of fun showing the mayor around, in particular showing off our recently refurbished woodwork machine shop.

"We are keen to invite budding and or hobby woodworkers to come and enjoy our workshop facilities for themselves, rather like the 'Men's Sheds' movement.

"We are very happy to provide free parking, coffee and homemade cake for anyone who could make good use of the space."

The Boaz Project's woodworking facilities are available for use by external groups on Tuesdays.

The project would also like to hear from volunteers who have woodworking skills.

Get in touch with them to find out more by visiting their website.