People can trade skills for free to help others as part of a new time bank system launched in East Finchley.

The scheme is totally free and sees people help others in exchange for time credits – which they can use to buy any help they need in exchange.

It was launched in Barnet this week, in partnership with the borough council, CommUNITY Barnet and Timebanking UK.

Skills exchanged can range from reading to children, dog walking, shopping or odd jobs.

People looking to get involved should contact Lex on 07887 249 910, email barnet@timebanks.co.uk or drop into East Finchley library to pick up a leaflet on a Wednesday afternoon.

For more information visit www.barnet.timebanking.org