STARS from BBC reality show The Great British Sewing Bee are set to visit a new hobby centre in Wickford to conduct classes.

The CLC Hobby Centre at the Alpha Garden on London Road was opened last month by couple Colin and Louise Cumbers to help “grow the community” for sewers.

The pair are nationally known by many sewists because of their pattern printing business which they run near the centre.

Replacing a hairdressing salon in the area, the centre offers workshops, group meets and a crochet café as well as two dedicated, fully fitted rooms which can be hired.

Now it is set to host BBC Sewing Bee contestant Fauve Birch and winner of the 2023 edition, Asmaa Al-Allak.

Colin, 37, said he is “incredibly excited” to host the stars at the centre.

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He said: “This is such a big boost for us and we are so excited to work with them.

“We already knew both of them because of our printing business and they were really happy to help us.

“We opened this centre for people to come and learn things and bring the sewing community together.

“There’s something here for all skill levels, from beginners to intermediate. We want to make it more of a community project where people can help and learn from each other.

“Everyone that has been here so far has gave us a lot of positive feedback and there’s been a steady flow and increase of people from the beginning. Our crochet café has been very popular.”

The café is run by Colin and Louise’s daughter, Keira, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on the last Saturday of every month and will be running every Wednesday during the summer holidays.

A sewing club is also set to be started next month and will be run by teacher, Sally King.

“We will allow people to come over with their sewing projects and I can offer any help and advice for all skill levels.

“I am also very excited for Asmaa and Fauve to come here. They will probably run a workshop and I’m really looking forward to having them here.”