A DARLINGTON church's charitable scheme has received help through a fundraising bag pack and an "act of God".

Visitors to King's Church, in Whessoe Road, raised £360 for the church's Furniture Re-use Scheme. About 15 volunteers packed bags at Sainsbury's earlier this month.

Kevin Walker, of KWR - the garage next to the church - bought a fire-damaged vehicle from an internet salvage site for £375 with church funds.

Mr Walker, 47, says: "While we were bidding for it, the site went down. Nobody in the country could get onto it. It came back on with about 53 seconds to go and because our bid was highest before it happened, we got it cheaper than usual.

"It was an act of God helping all of us." KWR will refurbish the van , offering free labour, for the church's use transporting used furniture.

The LTV convoy van, which was damaged when it was parked next to a burning building, needs new rear doors, repainting, bumper and engine work, and servicing.

The work would normally cost a few thousand pounds, according to Mr Walker. But the church will only have to pay for spare parts. The van will be ready for use next month.

The Furniture Re-use scheme collects unwanted furniture from church members. It is given to people who cannot afford furniture.

For details, call Liz Kennedy, church secretary, on 01325-469884.