EASINGTON MP John Cummings has praised the achievements of a national charity which works in partnership with an east Durham school.

Green-Works, based in Peterlee, is a venture between Community Action Network and Shotton Hall comprehensive school, and the MP visited the operation to witnesses its success.

It was launched to help provide low cost furniture such as desks, chairs and work stations to local schools, charities, community groups and start-up businesses.

The idea is that companies donate old furniture, which is recycled, renovated and repaired by trainees at Peterlee-and made available at a low cost to those who cannot afford to buy new.

Collecting, warehousing and renovating donated furniture allows those participating in the project to receive training in skills which will improve their prospects of finding jobs.

Mr Cummings said yesterday: "By donating their redundant office furniture to Green-Works, local companies are doing more than simply supplying office equipment to good causes.

"They are actively supporting the employment and training of the long-term unemployed and some of the most disadvantaged members of society, while insuring that they minimise the damage to the environment by diverting the waste from landfill.''

Mr Cummings also visited Shotton Hall school, where he praised the pioneering approach of headteacher Ian Mowbray and his staff.

And the MP took the opportunity to meet Richard Hill, a former professional footballer, and his team from the Football in the Community Project, being run jointly by Sunderland Football Club and Shotton Hall School.

The school-based scheme provides parents, adults and teenagers with the opportunity to develop their coaching skills to Football Association standards.