Launch event For Axminster toy recycling scheme

A unique, community pre-loved toy shop opens in Axminster on Friday, February 25 with a special launch event.

No Toy Left Behind is a brand new community shop selling giftable and restored, pre-loved toys.

Kickstarted by a successful crowdfunding campaign, the not-for-profit environmental initiative aims to decrease waste by saving toys from landfill and inspiring the local community to buy secondhand rather than new.

The launch event runs from 1pm until 4pm on February 25 with the official ribbon cutting at 1.15pm in the Pippins Community Centre in Axminster.

In addition, there will be story time with local children's environmental author Emily Hobson-Martin, a screening of the environmental short animation 'The Story of Stuff', a fun upcycling art project and an update on Net Zero Devon from Catherine Causley, East Devon District Council climate change officer.

Founder and environmental activist Beth Steele said: "Having spent several months painstakingly cleaning and refurbishing over 20 wheelie bins worth of donated toys, we're excited to be finally opening our shop to the community.

"No Toy Left Behind aims to help the planet by reducing waste and manufacturing demand. We hope to demonstrate that we don't need to buy new and get our community thinking about the environmental impact of their purchasing choices."

No Toy Left Behind is opening in Pippins Community Centre in Axminster. The shop will be run entirely by volunteers and open from 1pm until 4pm every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For more information, visit www.notoyleftbehind.com