A group set up to support the repair and restoration of Hythe Pier is celebrating success at a national awards ceremony.

Hythe Shed (at the pier) has come second in the Health and Wellbeing Impact category at the Shed of the Year awards in Westminster.

The prestigious awards were presented at an event attended by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

The Hythe group was founded by Allan Fairhead in 2019.

Posting on social media he said: "Although we were in the top three in our category, we didn’t win. However, top three to us is a winner as there are over 1,100 Sheds in the UK."

Hythe Shed was set up in 2019 with the aim of supporting the repair and restoration of the pierHythe Shed was set up in 2019 with the aim of supporting the repair and restoration of the pier (Image: Newsquest)

Allan was congratulated by Sir Julian Lewis, Conservative MP for New Forest East.

Sir Julian had arranged for Allan and fellow Hythe Shed member Gregg Dawe to sit in the viewing gallery at the Commons and watch a debate.

READ MORE: Volunteers complete first phase of project to restore 100-year-old train on Hythe Pier

Organised by the UK Men's Shed Association (UKMSA), the annual awards aim to highlight the role played by Sheds in tackling loneliness and social isolation as well as improving physical and mental health.

Rob Lloyd, chair of trustees at UKMSA, said: "We received a record number of submissions this year, and the standard of entries was exceptional.

"The finalists truly showcased the incredible work they are doing in their communities."

Hythe Shed was set up in 2019 with the aim of supporting the repair and restoration of the pier and its train Hythe Shed was set up in 2019 with the aim of supporting the repair and restoration of the pier and its train (Image: Newsquest)

Hythe Shed (at the pier) was created with the aim of supporting the repair and restoration of the pier and its narrow gauge electric railway.

It also provides a haven for people - mainly men - who want to meet, socialise, and help fellow members with projects of their own.

The group is based in a restored building on Hythe Quay, which is next door to the Grade II-listed pier.

READ MORE: Royal visitor rides on pier train used by King George VI ahead of D-Day landings

Two months ago, members met the Duke of Gloucester when he visited the structure to inspect the work being carried out by Hythe Shed and the Hythe Pier Heritage Association. 

The duke was given a ride on the train, which has been operating for more than 100 years.

Hythe Shed was set up in 2019 with the aim of supporting the repair and restoration of the pier and its train Hythe Shed was set up in 2019 with the aim of supporting the repair and restoration of the pier and its train (Image: Alan Titheridge)

He was following in the footsteps of his uncle, King George VI, who used it in 1944 after travelling to Hampshire to review preparations for the D-Day landings.

The duke viewed parts of the king's carriage, which had been stripped down prior to being refurbished.

He also opened a newly-restored section of the track. The scheme, which includes a new platform opposite the ticket office, took two-and-a-half-years and cost £105,000.

The duke congratulated the volunteers on preserving part of the past.