In today's throwaway culture, it can often seem easier to ditch a broken item rather than attempt to repair it.

But this also seems like madness at a time when we're all trying to be thrifty, and at the same time reduce the amount of rubbish we contribute to landfill.

In this timely book, Sian Berry sets out to prove that your much-loved table with the wonky leg, wobbly earring or dodgy door handle can be given a new lease of life with a bit of common sense and know-how.

With chapters covering furniture, kitchenware, electrical goods, textiles and jewellery, Sian guides you through 400 repair projects, each accompanied by step-by-step illustrations and simple instructions. Even the most DIY-shy person will find this book a revelation.