Ludlow Men's Shed’s volunteer, Mark Mantle, 46, has won the UK Men's Shed Association award as Volunteer of the Year.

Mark travelled down to London on Tuesday, November 19 to attend the award ceremony at the Speaker’s Chambers in the House of Commons where the finalists were welcomed by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP.

On winning the award Mark said “I am thrilled to receive this award and while pretty nervous about going to the prestigious State Rooms it’s been an honour to represent Ludlow Men’s Shed and the UK Men’s Shed movement”.

Ludlow Men’s Shed co-ordinator David Burton said: “What a huge achievement for Mark, he has had a difficult past and he deserves the recognition after the enormous amount of time and effort he has put into the Shed project – fantastic”.

Mark, 'the linchpin and public face’ of Ludlow Men’s Shed won the award, having overcome his own significant social anxiety struggles – having not left his home for over 20 years before he joined a Shed – and he is now recognised as Ludlow’s key volunteer.

Mark was commended for how he inspires others with difficult pasts; welcoming, supporting and inspiring confidence in those he works with.

Ludlow Men’s Shed, which is a project of local charity Hands Together Ludlow that aims to improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness and combat social isolation, was formed in 2021 and has grown to be one the largest of the 1,100 Men’s Sheds in the UK. For further information contact David Burton on 07971 970143 or sheds.handstogetherludlow@gmail.com.

The awards reception was supported by Kim Leadbeater MP and Sarah Green MP who both praised their sheds in their respective constituencies of Spen Valley and Chesham and Amersham for the positive impact Sheds make on families, communities and the Shedders’ mental and physical health.

UK Mens Shed Association chair Rob Lloyd said: “We’re thrilled so many MPs, Peers and partners are all eager to know more about the movement and joined us in congratulating the finalists and winners who run truly amazing projects and have such an impact on the lives of others.”