From left: Jon Avison, chairman designate of the Yorkshire Dales Society, Gill Inglis, deputy manager of Rohan Long Preston; Ann Shadrake, administrator of the Yorkshire Dales Society; Marti Harrison, manager, Rohan Long Preston. Photo: Andy Brisbane

From left: Jon Avison, chairman designate of the Yorkshire Dales Society, Gill Inglis, deputy manager of Rohan Long Preston; Ann Shadrake, administrator of the Yorkshire Dales Society; Marti Harrison, manager, Rohan Long Preston. Photo: Andy Brisbane

Have you any unused outdoor gear gathering dust at the back of the wardrobe?

Gift Your Gear organisers are urging enthusiasts not to throw it out, but put it to good use to encourage young people into the countryside.

With the slogan born to be worn, not stitched to be ditched, the scheme is asking outdoor fans to check their cupboards, garages, attics and other nooks and crannies to see if they have any unused or unwanted, good-quality clothing and equipment that can be reused by community groups.

Gift Your Gear was set up by Sarah Howcroft, co-founder of the Rohan chain of shops, and the retailer is offering 15 per cent off its products to anyone taking in gear during March.

The Rohan company was founded in 1972 and opened its first shop in Long Preston in the Yorkshire Dales just over a decade later.

The Yorkshire Dales Society is backing the Gift Your Gear appeal. The society organises events, walks and talks and campaigns to protect the Dales landscape, as well as providing the Sunday Dalesbus service.

Sarah Howcroft said: “Young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, need to get outdoors for their physical and emotional wellbeing.

“But the sun doesn’t always shine, especially in the Dales. It’s hard for them to enjoy the experience if they are cold, wet and uncomfortable. They need warm protective clothing but it doesn’t have to be brand new.

“I am sure that members of the Yorkshire Dales Society and other local people will have unwanted gear stashed in their wardrobes, attics and garages.

“We can accept all outdoor clothing of any brand in any size: waterproofs, fleeces, outdoor trousers, insulated jackets, hats, gloves and scarves. Walking boots and shoes and technical sandals are also welcome if in good condition.

“As a thank you people will receive a 15 per cent money-off voucher to use on the day they donate at a Rohan shop.”

Jon Avison, chairman designate of the Yorkshire Dales Society, said: “Rohan Long Preston is a business member of the Yorkshire Dales Society and we are delighted to work with them to support the Gift Your Gear scheme.

“On Wednesday 26 March we will host a special event at the Long Preston shop.

“Society trustees and volunteers will be on hand to thank people donating outdoor gear and hand out information about our events and campaigns. You can also bring outdoor clothing and boots to our next public event at Buckden on Saturday 15 March and we will hand these on to Gift Your Gear.”

Marti Harrison, manager of the Rohan Long Preston shop, said: “Gift Your Gear has had a massive impact on many local organisations throughout the country and it’s amazing how much support we get from our customers and the local community.

“A big thank-you to the Yorkshire Dales Society from the team in Long Preston and we look forward to welcoming you on 26 March.”

More details of the scheme are on the Gift Your Gear website.

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