FINDING someone to help you fix something is about to get a whole lot easier in one of the most remote parts of the district.

But a handy band of volunteers are being sought to ensure the scheme can realise its full potential.

Alston Moor’s first repair cafe will get under way this summer.

It’s the latest in a long line of initiatives to support the community in and around England’s highest market town to make it more self-sufficient, efforts which have seen it secure national acclaim.

The scheme will also help improve the area’s green credentials by seeing more items repaired rather than being thrown away.

DIY enthusiasts and experienced tradespeople are all being invited to share their skills to help others on Alston Moor and keep useful goods from going to waste.

Repair Café volunteers typically find themselves fixing electrical goods, IT equipment, furniture, clothing and textiles, and even mechanical goods like lawn mowers.

Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) is organising the events on behalf of the Alston Moor Partnership.

Roe Baker of CAfS, said: “We’re going to run four repair cafés over the next year and the hunt is on for volunteers who enjoy ‘having a go’ to fix the items that members of the public bring in.

“It’s not a big commitment, as the repair cafés only last for a few hours each time and we can even offer free training in PAT testing for two people who are willing to fix electrical items.”

Roe added: “I’d particularly appeal to qualified electricians and joiners or carpenters to help out for a few hours – especially at the first one.”

As well as traditional tradespeople, Roe is keen to hear from people with the skills to repair books, musical instruments or even sharpen knives and gardening tools. “I’m really open to people’s ideas on what they could fix,” she said.

“Currently we have some really skilled crafters willing to get involved – so there will definitely be a textile station to mend clothes, rugs and furnishings.”

Besides repair volunteers, the café needs other helping hands.

“We need someone to run the reception desk and the refreshments,” Roe added. “I’m hoping a local organisation might like to organise the drinks and cakes as a way of bringing in some donations for their group.”

The cafes are possible following funding from Cumbria County Council’s Waste Prevention Fund, matched by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which supports the development of sustainable communities, as part of the Alston Moor Greenprint.

The first event will be held in early summer, with dates and venues to be announced well in advance.

Anyone willing to lend a hand should contact Roe by emailing roe@cafs.org.uk or calling (01768) 210276.