A community jigsaw swap project has been launched by a caring Mansfield Woodhouse man.

Tony Price-Mear, the husband of well-known local fundraiser, Yvette Price-Mear, is running the help scheme from his garage — and is even offering to deliver a selection of puzzles to housebound people and those who cannot get to Mansfield Woodhouse.

He started doing jigsaws during the lockdowns ‘for something to do’ and, after retiring two years ago, found he had more time to expand his hobby.

“Yvette’s parents (David and Margaret Price) had a large collection of jigsaws, which they gave to me when they finished them, Tony added.

“Friends who knew I enjoyed jigsaws started giving gave them to me and and I would also buy them from charity shops.

“So a small collection grew and then a couple of friend found out I did jigsaws and we started swapping between ourselves.

“Because of the pleasure we got from doing them, I thought it would be nice to open up the sharing to a wider group of people.”

Duplicate jigsaws are donated to charity shops by David and Margaret.

Anyone who enjoys jigsaws is invited to take part. Tony added: “Staff from care homes have swapped their collections, a lady has expanded the service to her parents in Lincolnshire, and there is a girl who loves unicorn jigsaws.

“I’m in the fortunate position to be able to do it. It’s giving something back to the community and it’s another interest for me since I retired.

“Jigsaws can be expensive and unaffordable for some. I’ve met nice people who have come to swap, borrow, or donate. A few return for more visits and it’s nice to chat and see the enjoyment they get from doing jigsaws.

“Hopefully more people will start using the service. If they can’t get to me, I will collect donated jigsaws or take people a selection to choose from to borrow or swap.”

Anyone wanting to borrow or donate jigsaws should call Tony on 07743 358941 or drop in at 19 Burnt Oaks Close, Mansfield Woodhouse.