Bargain hunters snapped up all sorts of bits and bobs at a post-Christmas swap shop in Wallingford.

Hundreds of people picked their way through tables full of novels, children’s toys and bric-a-brac, as well as a few unwanted Christmas presents.

There were no novelty corkscrews but plenty of John Grisham novels and Christmas decorations.

The event – run by green group Sustainable Wallingford – took place at the Regal Centre, in Goldsmith’s Lane, on Saturday.

Sustainable Wallingford spokesman Mark Palmer, who helped organise the event, said visitors could pick up some great freebies at the swap shops held at the centre, because they did not accept junk.

He said: “People bring stuff they don’t want but somebody else might and take as much as they want.

“I’m sure some of it is unwanted Christmas presents – January is always busy, because it’s just after Christmas and people have stuff they want to swap.

“We weigh everything people take away so we have a record of how much we have stopped going to landfill.

“Typically it’s between half a tonne and a tonne.”

As well as videos, garden tools, cutlery and linen, there were also recycling points for light bulbs, aluminium foil, old mobile phones, ink cartridges, drinks cartons and old computers, and information on composting and saving electricity.

Mr Palmer said: “If somebody is interested in coming along to a swap shop, they’re probably also interested in recycling and reducing energy consumption.

“It’s a fun event, but our aim is to make Wallingford more environmentally sustainable.”

Alan Cole, 55, from Berinsfield, said he had been coming to the swap shops in Wallingford since they began in 2003.

He said: “We’re addicted.

“We brought in lots of books and took away a set of chairs.

“It’s brilliant. You can pick up some really good stuff.”

Sarah Mabbutt, 35, from Goring, added: “I’ve picked up some fantastic garden shears, a curtain pole and a lampshade. I’m going to come back later to have a look at the books.”

Mary Clark, 64, of Hanover Court, Wallingford, found a toy gun for her grandson.

She said: “I always come to the swap shop – there’s fantastic community spirit.”

Grandson Marcus, five, added: “My toy’s great, but I have to find some batteries.”

Mora Tallon, 71, from Wallingford, who dropped off an old radio, books and tins of paint, said swap shops were a great idea. She said: “I’m always having a clear-out.”

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk