International Repair Day is just around the corner and the repair network in Somerset is gearing up to welcome visitors.

The day is an annual celebration for everyone who makes repair happen in their communities around the world.

In Somerset, more than 20 repair groups span the county, all run by volunteers and each able to fix a variety of items.

And Somerset Council is making it easier for residents to get involved, with an interactive map that can help them find their nearest group.

Volunteers at repair groups can help with anything from sewing repairs, fixing a vacuum cleaner to a bicycle. It is always best to check with your local group to see what it can do.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Lead Member Transport and Waste Services said:

This year’s International Repair Day celebrates that ‘Repair is for Everyone’. This is the perfect opportunity to gather up your broken items and get them fixed.

Repairing is great for the environment and our wallets, it’s usually far cheaper than replacing the item.

The things we use everyday contain precious materials, such as metals, so when these items are repaired rather than replaced it stops the materials going to waste.

Recycling is great, but repair and reuse are even better.

Somerset repair groups are run by volunteers and several in Somerset are supported by CAG Somerset, a free-to-join membership organisation that help a thriving network of local Community Action Groups.

On International Repair Day (Saturday, 19 October), a new repair group will be starting, join them from 10am to 12 noon at Minehead Repair Café, based at Sacred Heart Church, Minehead.