A GRANDAD has made the final of a national competition after transforming his garden shed into an amusement arcade.

Gary Pound, from Witham, entered his ‘Grandad Arcade’ in the Shed of the Year’s unexpected/unique category. Now he has been shortlisted as one of 22 finalists in the 15th year of the competition.

Other entries included a a bra-fitting boutique, a Catholic oratory, and a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-inspired inventor’s workshop.

The lockdown category introduced in last year’s competition was also retained, with several DIY bars created while the nation’s pubs were closed for months.

Andrew Wilcox, head judge and founder of the competition, said: “The past year has been an incredibly challenging time for all of us and, now more than ever, we’re aware of how important the humble shed can be.

Braintree and Witham Times:

“Sheds are not just unloved, brown structures at the bottom of the garden that house tools and household junk – they are vital spaces where you can go to relax, work on a project or burn off some steam.

“The high-calibre entries this year really prove why we set up the competition in the first place – to highlight the valuable role sheds can play in our lives, in our businesses and the positive impact they have on our wellbeing.”

Voting closes on Monday, July 12 with the winner receiving £1,000, a plaque and £100 worth of Cuprinol products.