Donating unwanted gear gives young people the chance to enjoy the outdoors. Photo: Anton Gvozdikov

Outdoor fans are being encouraged to donate their unwanted gear to help disadvantaged groups enjoy the countryside.

The Rohan retail chain is offering a 15 per cent discount on its range to anyone bringing outdoor clothing and equipment to its shops next month.

Sarah Howcroft, who was one of the founders of the retailer and is now behind the Gift Your Gear organisation, said young people need to get outdoors for their physical and emotional wellbeing.

“The sun doesn’t always shine,” she said. “It’s hard to enjoy your early experiences in the outdoors when you’re cold, wet and uncomfortable.”

Anyone taking unwanted outdoor clothing and rucksacks, of any brand and including children’s items, will be given the discount on a full-price purchase made that day in the shop.

Ms Howcroft said: “To date Gift Your Gear has supported over 250 community organisations, youth groups and charities who work with young people in the outdoors.

“I hope that we can increase this number to 350 by the end of the Gift Your Gear Rohan event.

“The outdoor gear you donate will make a real difference to the community organisations, youth groups and charities who receive it, enabling others to benefit from life-changing experiences in the great outdoors regardless of their circumstances.”

The Rohan Gift Your Gear scheme will run from 1 to 30 September.