FROM food mixers to fridges, computers to coffee makers, a Dorset repair café is helping people save money and cut environmental waste.

The Okeford Fitzpaine Repair Café runs on the last Saturday of each month, with volunteers on hand to help repair damaged or broken items and extend their useful lives.

People can bring their items to the event, which runs between 10.30am and 12.30pm alongside the Mud Pie Café at Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall.

And a spokesperson said it had become a valuable community resource.

“In just four months, our volunteers have successfully repaired 36 items that might otherwise have ended up in landfill, with many more people benefiting from free advice and practical help,” they said.

“The variety of items we’ve repaired has been remarkable. They include food mixers, Magimix machines, kettles, coffee makers, lamps, clocks, CD players, printers, laptops, lawnmowers, sewing machines, magnifying lamps, a dog buggy, furniture, bags, a doll’s house and even a cuckoo clock.

“Our sewing volunteers have also repaired clothing, replaced zips, mended tears, and altered trousers, shorts and jackets, helping people get more life from much-loved items.

“Not every repair is possible, but our volunteers are always happy to assess an item and explain the options. We are also fully insured to carry out repairs on the items brought to us.”

IT volunteers are also on hand to help with computer and technology problems.

“Whether you have a Windows PC or an Apple Mac that’s running slowly, freezing or simply not performing as it should, we can assess it and advise on the best solution,” the spokesperson said.

“Sometimes a simple memory upgrade, software update or adjustment is all that’s needed.

“We can also help with printer problems, software updates, Windows and Apple support, computer setup and many other everyday technology issues.”

But they said the repairs wer ejust the start of benefits brought by the café, and added: “The Repair Café is about much more than fixing broken items. It’s about reducing waste, saving money, sharing skills and bringing the community together.

“So before you throw something away, why not bring it along? You may be surprised what can be given a second chance.”