Residents in Derbyshire are being encouraged to donate their time to help others in a Time Swap event in Swadlincote at the end of the month.

The scheme, that has been set up by Derbyshire County Council, allows members to earn 'time' by doing things in their communities to help other people.

Residents will be able to help with the things they are skilled at doing and members can then get their time back from other people helping in something that they might not be as good at.

Everybody's time is worth the same and for every hour of time that is given, members are then entitled to one hour's credit in return. A 'time broker' keeps a record of the time that members have donated to others and issue statements, so that members can request time back from others when they need help.

A spokesperson from Derbyshire County Council said: "Being involved in Time Swap activities can give you the chance to share or learn new skills in our community. People you help will be able to give you references to go on your CV and employers always see volunteering as a positive activity.

Time Swap member Tim helped Sandra to learn how to play the guitar before her daughter's wedding

"All you have to do is turn up and show off your skills."

Any skills are welcomed as part of the free initiative, such as gardening, DIY, sewing, knitting, dog walking, cooking or even just having a cup of tea and a chat with someone.

The council is hoping that the scheme will encourage people in the community to take up new hobbies and learn new skills through donating their time and earning time back from others to help them in return.

Time banks were introduced in the UK in 1998 and there are now around 350 across the country. Timebaking UK, which runs a large majority of the banks, says that the initiatives help to build ties in communities and make areas nicer places to live.

A drop-in session will be held at Swadlincote Library on Thursday, August 31 between 2pm and 4pm.

Anybody who is interested in signing up for the scheme can do so by visiting the council's website.