SO MANY sisters have been doing it for themselves at a Blackpool store's DIY workshops that management have decided to put on extra courses.

Female customers have been flocking to pick up plumbing, plastering and other DIY skills at the B&Q Warehouse, off Preston New Road, since free Wednesday night workshops began about 12 months ago.

And now the women-only club has been declared such a success that from February the store is going to run longer, more in-depth courses during the evenings at the in-store demonstration area.

"We are going to be doing six-week courses on particular subjects to give a bit more hands-on experience," explained Barry Wright, demonstrations co-ordinator.

"When we first started the workshops up we were only getting about six to eight ladies a week.

"We have got about 100 names down now and I'm still getting more and more.

It's been absolutely excellent."

Unlike the regular Wednesday club nights, customers undertaking a longer course can expect to be tested on their knowledge and may be awarded a certificate.

Barry is waiting to see how the new courses go before forging ahead with other ideas, including a kids' DIY club and workshops for disadvantaged people.

But it might be a while before a men's DIY club is set up.

Barry explained: "We tried a gents' DIY club down south, but it didn't work.

"I think the guys were just too proud to admit they needed a hand!"