AN IMPRESSED estate agent has organised a raffle for a Devonside group that promotes men's wellbeing.

A magnificent dolls house is up for grabs in the prize draw to support the Wee County Men's Shed based in the village.

Janice McIvor, manager at Slater Hogg & Howison in Stirling, was inspired by the tale behind the hand-made replica building, which was finished off by local shedders, and was so impressed by the ongoing work she offered to help.

The property expert even braved the limelight for a video walking people through the house, doing her best to sell raffle tickets with the hopes she could raise as much as £1,500.

Janice explained the dolls house was given to the shed by a Tullibody lady, whose husband was working on the creation originally.

Sadly, he had passed away before he could finish it off, but the men at the Devonside shed were happy to make sure it is complete.

Janice was contacted to see if she would be interested in the "property" but she was more keen to learn more about what the shed has to offer.

She said: "I went out and saw them and thought it was just a great wee place.

"I got talking to them and quite a few of them have lost family and friends, they said if it wasn't for the Men's Shed they wouldn't be around.

"It was powerful stuff and I thought I want to help this charity out."

Indeed, last year the Advertiser highlighted the benefits of the Howf – the centre of social life at the Devon Park Mills workshop on Alexandra Street.

The camaraderie, some good chat and some DIY has proved priceless to dozens of local men.

The shed promotes men's wellbeing, helping to reduce isolation and loneliness while on the practical side of things there are plenty of tools, machinery and a whole lot of experience on offer.

Janice's appeal on Facebook has already raised around £760 with some extra in cash donations expected.

She added: "What resonated with me is when I went around [for the visit] there was an 18-year-old boy who was struggling to get a job.

"There's quite a lot of ex-joiners in there, there's a lot of older men, and they taught him some basic skills.

"Then he went to, I think it was the dockyard, got an interview, they did some testing on him and he got the job."

Visit bit.ly/2lG8Ebk to enter the raffle, one entry for every £5 donated.

To watch the video, visit facebook.com/watch/?v=387486721949273