Residents in Shepton Mallet are being invited to pick up free rescued items at the latest Swag Bag Saturday event this weekend.

The initiative, organised by Shepton Mallet Community Fridge and the Shepton Waste Action Group, will take place on Saturday, 14 March between 10am and 12pm at 50 High Street.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a bag and help save perfectly usable food and household items from going to landfill.

Organisers say a wide variety of goods will be available, including toiletries, clothes, toys, kitchen items and food that has been rescued by volunteers or donated by local charity shops.

Open to the whole community

Unlike traditional support schemes, the event is open to everyone in the community.

Organisers say the aim is not just to help those in need but also to reduce waste and give usable items a second life.

The organisers said the event is about "helping the planet and stopping perfectly usable items from going in the bin".

Electrical items now free

The group has also announced a change to its policy on electrical items.

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Electrical goods that are available at the event will now be completely free of charge, although donations are still welcome.

Any voluntary contributions will go towards supporting local charity shops and the Swag Bag initiative.

Residents planning to attend are encouraged to arrive between 10am and midday and remember to bring a bag to carry their items.

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