Broad Street DIY in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, held a special recycle week from June 13 to 19, where members of the public were encouraged to take their old or unwanted DIY tools in an initiative to help disadvantaged people in the local community.
The response to the campaign was incredible and far exceeded the expectations of staff. Approximately 1500 items were handed in, filling two large crates. The donated tools included hundreds of spanners as well as screw drivers, saws, hammers, and garden tools. There were a number of power drills and even two lawn mowers!

The tools have been donated to NewStarts, a Bromsgrove-based not-for-profit organisation which helps local families and individuals either on low incomes or in financial crisis. They will run PAT tests to ensure electrical items are safe to use before finding new homes for the equipment.

Broad Street DIY director Lisa Childs said: "Many gardening or DIY tools can be re-used by others, even if they need simple repairs. Many of these 'unwanted' items can't be put into domestic recycling bins, so we offered a collection point where people could easily drop them off."

NewStarts chief executive Marion Kenyon was overjoyed to receive the donation of tools. "Being able to do jobs around the home is important for everyone, but without the right tools it can be very difficult and not everyone is able to purchase them new. A big thank you to everyone who donated - we love to see local people helping local people."