A MONTHLY workshop which aims to combat the throw-away society will be receiving some jean therapy this week.

Southampton Repair Cafe celebrates its first birthday on Saturday (October 3) when its team of volunteer repairers will be joined by Jean Genie from Lymington offering a free workshop on turning old denims into new items like bags, bookmarks and toys, and an exhibition of art made from recycled materials.

The event is at Freemantle United Reformed Church, Shirley Road, from 10.30am to 1pm. Visitors can enjoy tea and homemade cake, while watching their repair being done.

Organiser Angela Cotton said: “During the past year we have repaired over 200 items that would otherwise be thrown away.”

Items repaired have included electrical devices, jewellery, clothing, computers and bikes.

 The cafe runs on the first Saturday of each month and was set up by Transition Southampton, a group dedicated to making a greener city.

Repairs are free but donations welcomed to pay for rent and volunteer expenses.

if items cannot be repaired or the job is too complex the cafe’s volunteers can give advice or direct the customer to local professional repair shops.

Future repair cafes will be on November 7 at Cobbett Road Library, Bitterne and December 5 at Freemantle URC Church Hall.