Freecycling project secures funding for another year

Volunteers at the Lydney Exchange say their scheme is a win-win from the point of view of the environment and people's pockets

A project that enables people to reuse and recycle clothing, toys and household items has secured funding for another year.

Volunteers at the Lydney Exchange host regular events in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, giving residents a chance to "freecycle", which involves donating unwanted items so they can be rehomed for free.

Running Lydney Exchange costs £1,196 annually, which is the fee of the scheme's storage container. Following a fundraiser, volunteers have raised enough to cover the cost for another year.

A spokesperson said: "It's about supporting residents during the cost of living crisis, bringing together the community and keeping good-quality items out of landfill."

Louise Penny, a volunteer, said the exchange has "gone from strength to strength over the last two and a half years".

"People contact us to pick up or drop off different items that they have but don't want anymore," she told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"We ask people to make sure that they're clean, so we check them through."

The freecycling events have taken place at various venues across the Forest of Dean, including Taurus Crafts, Lydney Community Centre, and Bream Sports Centre.

"It's a win-win from the point of view of the environment and people's pockets," Ms Penny said.

"We get kids come along and they're playing with toys and go home with something really fun, which is lovely to see."