Weston College has launched a House Makeover Diploma focused on women following a successful taster day.

A dozen women got to grips with the intricacies of pasting, wallpapering and how to fill in damaged areas so repairs become virtually invisible at the college’s Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence (CECE).

The new Level 1 course will allow women to gain a qualification and while the course is aimed at women who are interested in DIY, men can also enrol.

IT teacher, Sam Mabberley (45), of Earlham Grove, said: “This is a great course for working mums.

“I’m married to a painter and decorator but can’t get him to do DIY at home so I want to learn rather than pay someone else.

“I’ve enjoyed the taster day and would like to do the longer course.”

Barmaid and waitress, Sarah Greaves (23), of Wick St Lawrence, said: “I’d be interested in the longer course.

“I’ve already studied interior design but would like practical skills to support this.”

Maintenance operations lecturer, Shaun Canniford, added: “We have launched this course to show women trade secrets which are easy to master with practice and will save them a lot of money.”