A COMMUNITY project aiming to encourage recycling and cutting down on waste will be holding its first clothes swap next month.

Witney Community Clothes Exchange is a new project and will be holding the swap shop at The Plough pub and restaurant in Witney on Saturday, February 1.

A range of clothing will be accepted including shirts, jeans, skirts and dresses.

The project is aiming to encourage the recycling and exchange of clothes and accessories in order to reduce consumption and raise awareness of consumer habits.

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Becki Lane-Newman, from Witney Community Clothes Exchange, said: "We're so excited to be running Witney Community Clothes Exchange's first event.

"Clothes swaps are a great way to update each of our wardrobes in a way that doesn't cost the earth.

"Thirty per cent of the average UK household's wardrobe hasn't been worn for at least a year.

"Dig out those long lost items and bring them along to swap for lots of great, new to you things.

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"Please make sure that the items you bring along are all in good, clean condition and ready to be worn again.

"In the UK, 9,513 garments are dumped every five minutes.

"Textiles are the country's fastest growing waste stream."

To take part in the swap shop, you are asked to take up to 10 good quality, clean, gently worn items that you no longer want.

Coats, shoes, handbags and hats are all also welcome, however swimwear, underwear, nightwear and jewellery will not be accepted.

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The event will start at 11am when you will be able to drop off your unwanted goods.

These items will then be swapped for tokens, which you can use later on to get new items of clothing or accessories.

At 11.30am, the 'Swish' will open for browsing.

It will then open for trade at midday.

The 'Swish' will remain open until 1.30pm, giving you an hour and a half to get your hands on some new goods.

Swishing was popularised in 2008 by sixties icon Twiggy in the BBC television programme Twiggy's Frock Exchange.

Oxford Mail:

Since then, swishing has become increasingly popular and swishing parties regularly raise money for charity.

Macmillan Cancer Support often endorse and promote swishing parties

Entry for the swap shop at the High Street venue is £3.

Full list of what can be accepted:

• Tops/blouses/shirts

• Trousers/jeans/shorts

• Skirts/dresses

• Jumpers/cardigans

• Jackets/coats

• Evening wear

• Shoes/boots

• Handbags

• Scarves/shawls

• Belts

• Hats

Full list of what can't be accepted:

• Swimwear

• Underwear

• Tights/stockings/leggings

• Nightwear

• Gym wear

• Jewellery

For more information or if you would be interested in volunteering at the event, please contact: Becki Lane-Newman at witneycommunityclothesexchange@gmail.com or 07494639121.