Mr Mend-al: Repair cafe fixes hip-hop legends' kit

Volunteers at a repair cafe managed to fix a vital piece of kit

Volunteers at a repair cafe stepped in to fix a "crucial piece of equipment" for Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group Arrested Development, meaning its concert could go ahead.

The group was due to perform at the Princess Pavilions in Falmouth, Cornwall on 9 November when band member One Love's sampler failed during the soundcheck.

The Falmouth Repair Cafe was taking place that afternoon in the venue's foyer with local volunteers who fix a range of items from lamps to sewing machines for members of the public.

The band, whose hits include Mr Wendal and People Everyday, asked for their help, and after four hours the team managed to fix the sampler.

Simon Baker, chair of Falmouth Repair Cafe, said: "We've repaired a lot of things over the years, but saving a Grammy-winning band's historic equipment was definitely a first.

"It just shows the power of community skills and generosity and the value of repairing rather than replacing."

Arrested Development shared its gratitude to the repair shop on Instagram, writing: "The odds of this is nothing short of amazing!"

JJ Boogie, the band's guitarist, commented on the Instagram post: "They saved not only the day but the rest of the tour!"

The repair was completed half an hour after doors opened while the support acts played, allowing the main act to go ahead as planned.