AN 89-YEAR-OLD man from Penistone has began work on his bug hotel inspired by his late wife thanks to the support of a local charity.

Age UK Barnsley, based on Eldon Street, has been running a selection of ‘Activities At Home’ in a bid to help older people feel less lonely.

Sharon Haggerty, the social inclusion worker for the Penistone area, said: “We asked 89-year-old Brian if he would like to have a bug hotel for his garden.

“His reply was, ‘I’ll make them for you because since losing my wife, I’ve felt lonely and this will give me back a sense of purpose’.

“We think you will agree that Brian has done an amazing job, and we can’t wait to see the bird boxes that he’s making.”