ILKLEY residents responded magnificently on Saturday (September 30) when the Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club held their annual recycling day.

The club collected 102 bikes, 20 sewing machines, three van-loads of assorted workshop equipment (hand tools and power tools), 85 pairs of spectacles, four wheelchairs, four rollators and other assorted mobility aids.

“We were very pleased that so much equipment was donated despite the weather turning for the worse during the afternoon,” said organiser John Brash. “People who donated this unwanted equipment can be assured that it will be used to change people’s lives in the third world – giving people sight, mobility or employment.

“Since we started collecting unwanted bicycles five years ago we have now collected well over 530 in total – and we have gradually extended the range of items we collect. Our partner charities are very grateful.”

The equipment will be refurbished either by the Margaret Carey Foundation, SpecSort, Physionet or Ilkley Tools for Africa.