ILKLEY business The Sewing Shed has added upholstery classes and upholstery workshops to its range of craft courses due to the resurgence of upcycling and recycling.

Leonie Pratt owner of The Sewing Shed said: “I am delighted to welcome Ania our experienced upholstery tutor to join our team to give local residents the opportunity to learn a new skill or reupholster family heirlooms on their doorstep. We have tooled up so that students have access to a range of specialist equipment including pneumatic staple guns which give the advantage of a professional finish whilst being easy to use."

Mrs Pratt added: "I believe it is a first for the town, offering tuition of this kind which is proving very popular with enthusiastic up-cyclers. The classes are suited to enthusiastic novice upholsters of all ages.You can learn to restore anything from drop in seats, piano stools, ottomans, to headboards and chairs."

The Sewing Shed moved to the beautifully restored North Chapel in Ilkley's Garden cemetery last summer and has the advantage of giving students more space, easy access and a wider range of craft courses with experienced qualified tutors.

Upholstery Classes are taught in small groups of no more than six students and are held on a Monday 10am to noon or 12.30pm to 2.30pm and one Sunday a month 10am to 4pm.

The Sewing Shed is throwing open its doors on Sunday, June 24 from 2pm to 5pm inviting members of the public to view the inside of one of Ilkley's most historical buildings and to see demonstrations by other members of the talent team.

For more details call 07525 029986 email leonie@thesewingshed.co.uk or see website for more details www.thesewingshed.co.uk