A community group to help people recycle, learn new skills and make new friends has started in East Oxford.

The ‘upcycle’ workshops – not just recycling but improving the original item – started at Barracks Lane Community Garden on Thursday.

Organiser Helen Osborn, a former East Oxford Primary School teacher, left, said: “It is about making something that can be recycled into new, beautiful or useful things.

“It is also about building the skills in the community and giving people the opportunity to get together and have some fun.”

Thalia Wallis, 24, right, of Howard Street, said: “I am here to learn new skills, and it is good use of time outside work to be creative.”

Thursday’s event focused on sewing, with people learning how to alter clothing and create bags.

Workshops take place on the third Thursday of every month. For more details visit barrackslanegarden.org.uk