Libraries in Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Street are taking part in the returning winter coat exchange.

Photo caption: Clean coats for adults and children can be donated or collected through Somerset Libraries' Winter Coat Exchange.

Wells residents needing a warm coat can collect one free of charge from participating libraries in Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury and Street.

Somerset Council's Winter Coat Exchange is returning for its fourth year, helping people prepare for colder weather and stretch household budgets.

Wells Library is not included in the council's list of participating branches this year. The scheme is available at 16 libraries across Somerset, including the three nearby towns.

People can take a coat without donating one, or donate a coat without taking anything in return.

Coats for adults and children are accepted in any shape or size, provided they are clean and in good condition. Donations should be handed directly to a member of library staff.

The council says thousands of coats are donated each year, with excess donations passed to RAFT – Refugee Aid From Taunton.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, the council's lead member for communities, HRA and culture, said: "This scheme gets more successful every year, and we know that both donors and those needing a warm coat are really positive. Colder and wet weather will soon be with us, and this can be challenging for many, especially those who can't afford to stay warm.

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"Libraries become so much more than places for reading and studying, they become warm, welcoming, social spaces – real community hubs. I hope that people can donate good quality clean items that others can benefit from."

Somerset libraries also participate in the Warm Welcome Spaces scheme, providing free places where people can spend time, meet others and access support.

Anyone wanting to donate or collect a coat can visit a participating branch. Further information is available through Somerset Libraries or by emailing [email protected].