PEOPLE are being encouraged to "make do and mend" as part of the Ryedale District Council’s anti-waste drive.

The Don’t be a Waster – Reduce, Reuse, Respect campaign has a different focus each month and will encourage making do and mending this month.

Cllr Luke Ives, chairman of the council’s policy and resources committee, said: “There are lots of options in the Ryedale area for donating your unwanted items to others to reuse. And we want to encourage as many people as possible to think twice before automatically dumping unwanted items in the bin.

“Can the item be repaired? Could someone else use my item? Can it be given away, sold at car boot sales or given away to family, friends or through sites like Freegle and Freecycle as well as local charity shops? If we could all just take a moment to think twice before dumping an item that can be reused, we can have a positive impact on reducing waste.”

As an example of best practice, the authority drew attention to the Kirkbymoorside Environment Group, which organises popular Give or Take Days as well as regular "repair cafes". The next one will be held on Saturday.