A new service which allows residents to trade skills with someone else in the community was launched last week.

Sutton Shares, a service of the Volunteer Centre Sutton, is a free exchange of skills between members of the community.

It is reciprocal volunteering in that you give something to help someone else, but you can also receive help for something you need, in return. If you do not need the credit you have earned, you can pay it forward to someone else in the timebank.

Mayor of Sutton, councillor Sean Brennan, who was on hand the launch the service, said: "This is an exciting new opportunity for residents to share and invest their time and skills for the benefit of their neighbours and the wider community. It has limitless possibilities and deserves to be a huge success."

Chris Parker, chief executive officer of the Volunteer Centre Sutton, said: "I’m excited about seeing Sutton Shares unleash the innate value within our community. I love that Sutton Shares is community led and community owned. It's a great way for people to make a real and lasting difference in their neighbourhoods."

Over 60 people attended with almost half signing up during the evening and even more saying they will sign up at home and get their friends, family, and colleagues registering.