An event for people to swap unwanted items for free has prevented 1.5 tonnes of rubbish from being thrown away.

Dorset Council Waste Services has begun hosting a 'Give or Take Day' encouraging people to bring along unwanted items and possibly giving a new home to them.

Visitors can browse among the items donated to see if there is anything they can make good use of.

The last three events prevented 1.5 tonnes of items from being thrown away.

Unwanted items can include furniture, clothing, kitchenware, tools, DVDs, toys and books.

Items not allowed include duvets and pillows, electricals, gas appliances and items in a poor condition.

The event is free and you do not need to bring an item along to attend.

The next Give or Take Day will be hosted at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Chickerell Road in Weymouth on Saturday, March 25.

Items can be dropped off from 9am until 12pm with doors opening at 9.30am.

A spokesman for Dorset Council Waste Services said: "Reducing waste and reusing items is one of the best ways to help the environment.

"Where possible, items that are left at the end of the day will be saved for future events, donated to local charities, furniture reuse centres or recycled."