A CHARITY shop providing furnishings for needy families is itself facing a financial crisis.

The Top and Bottom second-hand store in Woodlands, on the Sherburn Road estate, in Durham, was opened six years ago in an attempt to provide cheap items of furniture and to help residents avoid getting into debt.

The enterprise was started by award winning charity businesswoman Rena Howe who was given an initial grant to launch the venture which is run by volunteers.

But the original capital is rapidly running out and this week Mrs Howe made an appeal for help either through new volunteers or cash donations.

"I think we can probably last another 18 months but we would like to secure new help now,'' said Mrs Howe.

She said: "We would welcome any new volunteers and any cash donations would be a great help.''

While it has been open, the shop has helped families furnish whole houses, and with nothing costing more than £55 in the store customers have not been faced with taking on expensive credit.

The business has proved a great success in social terms.

However, financially it runs on a shoestring with all profits going to buy items of second-hand furnishings and fund the business van which is essential to the venture.

Anyone who can help keep the business going is asked to contact Mrs Howe on 0191-384 8477 or 0191-386 5721.

The shop is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, between 10am and 2pm.