PEOPLE can pick up a warm coat at Somerset libraries this winter.

Donations are being accepted at a number of county libraries, with more set to join.

The Donate a Coat scheme encourages people to give a warm, winter coat they no longer need to help others less fortunate.

Both adult and children’s sizes are welcome, with the coats then made available to anyone who needs them.

At the moment these are Taunton, Yeovil, Chard, Bridgwater, Ilminster and Dulverton.

In Taunton, 112 coats have been donated and 77 have found homes. Just 35 are in stock. There’s a need for more good quality children’s, and men’s larger size coats.

In Bridgwater, a week after donations started, 112 coats have been donated, as well as a few hats and one coat rack. Almost all the children’s coats have already found new homes.

And in Chard, of the 74 coats donated, 25, as well as gloves, scarves and hats, have been distributed.

The scheme has been operating over the county border in Devon and was spotted by Somerset Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, lead member for communities, housing and culture, who encouraged Somerset to follow suit.

“Winter can be challenging for many, especially those who can’t afford to stay warm,” she said.

“Libraries become so much more than places for reading and studying, they become warm, welcoming, social spaces – real community hubs.”

Donated coats – for children or adults – need to be clean and in good condition and can be dropped off at Somerset libraries.