A CHARITY that provides affordable second-hand furniture to people in need celebrated its tenth anniversary today (Monday, November 17).

County Durham Furniture Help Scheme (Cdfhs) held an open day at its base in Chilton Industrial Estate to give the community an insight into its work and to highlight its achievements over the last decade.

The charity collects unwanted furniture from across County Durham and provides low-cost household goods to people with limited means.

It also provides a range of volunteering and training opportunities as part of its Employability Scheme.

Demand has rocketed in recent years and thanks to its committed workforce, volunteers and partnerships with Durham County Council, local housing associations and other organisations it has helped even more people.

Steve Mitton, company secretary and business development manager of Cdfhs, thanked the County Durham Community Foundation and other organisations for their support, adding: “We have many customers with us today who use us regularly and we have invited them to join us as they are the ones we are ultimately most grateful to for helping us get to where we are today.”

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson said: “I fully support the scheme. It provides a valuable service to the community.”

Cdfhs recently launched two new projects - Rural Refurb, which sees unwanted furniture transformed into desirable “shabby chic” items and ReBike, a scheme to refurbish and sell unwanted bicycles.

For more information visit cdfhs.org.uk