Jo's unique shed is an Amazing Space

A unique St Annes shed is in with a chance of being named one of Britain’s best.

Abandoning the tradition of a garden shed as a handy dumping ground for barbecues and power tools, creative-minded handyman Jo Candy, 59, transformed his shed into a cosy back garden abode over a period of 10 years.

The impressive structure, which is designed to resemble an up-turned boat, comes complete with furniture, lanterns, and an old-fashioned stove.

Cafe owner Jo, who lives on Heyhouses Lane, said: “I call it ‘the boat crash’ because it looks like two boats crashed from above.

“It will never be finished. it’s something I like to keep adding little bits to every so often. I get a bit of help with the heavy stuff and get people in to help out when needed, but I designed it all.

“It’s a little bit like a cross between a tent and a mud hut.

“It’s totally dry and warm inside, and I’ve got a little stove in there.

“It’s very good at keeping the weather out.”

Jo’s boat-themed shed, which is framed with oak and silver birch saplings, is in the final of the Best Summerhouse category of Cuprinol’s Shed of the Year 2016 competition.

It goes up against three other unique garden sheds, including the fantasy-themed ‘Shed of Dreams’, the rustic Talliston Cabin, and the Auston Camper Shed, which is built on a classic Austin J4 pickup truck.

The winning creation will be crowned Shed of the Year in the final of reality TV show ‘Amazing Spaces Shed of the year’, which will air on Channel 4 later this summer.

Jo said: “I think my chances of winning are pretty low just because my shed isn’t as polished and shiny compared to other sheds, but it has its own charm.

“I’d just like to thank all my friends and my late wife, Gay, who whipped me through the early stages of getting the shed up and running.”

People can catch up on the first episode of Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces: Shed of the Year online at www.channel4.com/programmes/amazing-spaces-shed-of-the-year/