AN IT installation engineer from Bolton is putting his sewing skills to the test in the 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.

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.

The Bolton News: The Great British Sewing Bee S7 Picture Shows: Damien - (C) Love Productions - Photographer: Mark Bourdillon

Damien said: "It was great to see how everything works behind the scenes of my favourite show on TV and to be a part of it, especially during the pandemic.

"I was in awe when I first walking into the sewing room. I tried to have as many moments of taking it all in as I could.

"Most of the time was taken up with sewing and concentrating but there were quiet moments when I was sat there just thinking, 'wow this is truly amazing.'

"I started sewing three years ago and I love it because of the feeling you get from making your own clothes and wearing them is pretty good.

"I mostly make clothes for myself but have done a couple of things for family and friends.

"I expect I will be getting ask to make some stuff after they see the show.

"Only a handful of people knew I was going on the show - my mum didn't even know as she would tell everyone."

Each week, the sewers undertake three challenges. First is the Pattern Challenge where they chose fabric from the haberdashery to all make the same pattern.

The Bolton News: The Great British Sewing Bee S7 Picture Shows: (L-R standing, L-R seated)  Adam, Lawratu, Julie, Joe Lycett, Cathryn, Damien, Farie, Andrew, Rebecca, Jean, Adeena, Raph, Serena - (C) Love Productions - Photographer: Mark Bourdillon

Next is the Transformation Challenge, where they get just 90 minutes to turn items of old clothing into something new and exciting.

Finally, in the Made to Measure,they have to fit a real life model, a challenge they’ve had time to plan in advance.

Wednesday's episode will be on the theme of Summer, with three challenges based on clothes to look and feel cool in.

The sewers will have to create a pair of paperbag shorts, transform men's swimwear into a woman's cocktail outfit and sew a button down sun dress.