AN INNOVATIVE project in one of the most deprived areas in County Durham is proving that by going green people can help the environment and bag a bargain.

The East Durham Partnership based in Easington, runs a number of projects which are putting green principles into practice and helping create jobs.

Run by social entrepreneur, Ellen Foxton and based on the Seaview Industrial Estate, the project collects items of furniture, and white goods such as fridges and washing machines from people’s homes, and council transfer stations and takes them to their workshop for repair and refurbishment.

East Durham Partnership also collects unwanted office furniture from businesses, schools and universities which can be reused and offered to community groups, care homes and people starting up small businesses.

The work is carried out by skilled staff who are also training long-term unemployed and vulnerable adults to do the work with a view to gaining employment.

After the items have been refurbished and fully checked they are offered for re-sale at favourable prices to any members of the public who want to come and look around the extensive showroom. Discounts are given to residents who are in receipt of certain benefits.

The project has the backing of Durham County Council. The authority’s waste performance team leader Jo Lane said: "We are tremendously impressed by the work of the East Durham Partnership. They are putting our principles into practice and creating jobs at the same time.

Ellen Foxton said "We are delighted with our success to date but we are always looking for new customers and unwanted goods, so I would encourage anyone who is looking for a new look for their house this spring to come and see us.

Members of the public who have unwanted furniture of white goods can arrange for them to be collected free by the East Durham Partnership team by phoning 0191-5868493. The showroom is open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4.30pm and Friday from 8am to 3.15pm and Saturday 9am to 12noon.