YOUNG adults can pick up essential DIY skills at a Bromsgrove hardware store's free new workshop.

Broad Street DIY is hosting 'Essential DIY Skills for Young People' at its Worcester Road branch on Thursday, February 15, from 6pm to 8pm.

The store organised the event after its own research discovered a decline in 20 to 30-year-olds who possess the DIY knowledge traditionally passed down from father to son.

Director Lisa Childs said: "We believe it is vitally important that young people are equipped with the practical skills which will help them throughout life.

"The home can be a dangerous place if people do not understand how to properly carry out improvements or routine repairs.”

The evening will feature live demonstrations on how to tackle some of the most common household problems, such as unblocking a sink, changing a lightbulb, attaching fixings to plasterboard and isolating water and electrics.

The event is already proving popular with local students and young professionals.

Bromsgrove sales executive Josh Johns, 24, said: "We had water gushing out of an overflow pipe into the garden when I was at university. None of us in the house had a clue what to do.

"We called a plumber to fix it and discovered we just needed a new ballcock in the water tank.

"I think this sort of event could equip me with the skills and confidence to tackle similar problems in the future.”

Registration for this event is essential. To book, contact Lisa on 01527 873555 or email broadstdiy@aol.com.

The first 20 guests through the door will receive a free DIY goody bag.