A BOLTON man is taking part in the brand new series of The Great British Sewing Bee.

Damien, 39, is one of 12 talented home sewers who is competing in the show, which began on BBC One on April 14.

Joe Lycett hosts the show where sewers create gorgeous garments under the scrutiny of judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant, for the title of Britain’s Best Amateur Sewer.

Sewing has been a relatively new addition to Damien’s hobbies, which also include craft ale making, woodwork, riding his motorbike and playing the guitar.

Damien started teaching himself to sew three years ago when a pair of work trousers needed altering and hasn’t looked back – despite some initial ‘mickey taking’ from friends. He admits that he sometimes gets a raised eyebrow when visiting fabric shops, as he’s not the stereotypical customer.

Damien describes his style as ‘practical’ and he mostly makes casual clothes for himself, along with the occasional dress for his partner, Jackie.

Each week, the sewers undertake three challenges. First in a test of sewing skill, it’s the Pattern Challenge where they chose fabric from the haberdashery to all make the same pattern.

Next, a test of creativity and imagination in the Transformation Challenge, where they get just 90 minutes to turn items of old clothing into something new and exciting.

Finally, the ultimate fashion test of the Made to Measure, fitting to a real life model, a challenge they’ve had time to plan in advance.