TO celebrate International Repair Day today (October 19) a new map has been unveiled detailing where people can find groups in Somerset.

Across the county, more than 20 repair groups are organised regularly, giving people the chance to have a range of items repaired – rather than having to replace them.

Now, Somerset Council has made it easier for people to get involved, creating 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 mending a bicycle.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for 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, with some supported by CAG Somerset, a free-to-join organisation that helps Community Action Groups.

Meanwhile, a new repair group launches today in Minehead, running from 10am until noon at the Sacred Heart Church.

You can find details of repair groups in Somerset – and the interactive map – at somerset.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste/somerset-repair-groups.