STROUD District Furniture Bank is celebrating its first anniversary, having helped more than 170 families in need during its first 12 months.

The social enterprise, based in Brimscombe, collects unwanted furniture and other household items and distributes them at a nominal cost to people living on a limited budget, often on flexible payment terms.

In its first year, the Furniture Bank collected and distributed more than 350 items for families as well as selling many other pieces of furniture online to finance their operation.

"We have demonstrated just how many local families urgently need our service," said Jo Mansell, Stroud District Furniture Bank Project Manager.

"Importantly we are getting more and more calls asking us to collect unwanted items – many of which would otherwise gave gone to landfill.”

The Furniture Bank, which works in partnership with Stroud District Foodbank and Stroud District Kids' Stuff, is expanding to include communities up to and including Cirencester.

It has also won the support of Bailey Paints, based in London Road, Thrupp, who will provide paints and primers free of charge to help develop a new range of 'shabby chic' furniture for sale.

One of the two new apprentices being taken on by the furniture bank is Ashley Nobes, who has autism.

After an initial period of one-to-one training under the Government’s Access to Work Scheme, Ashley will be taken into the fold as a fully-fledged apprentice.

“What we are appealing for in order to meet demand is more of the key items that families need when they set up home," said Jo.

"In particular, that’s beds, wardrobes, chests of drawers, tables and chairs, however we can find a use for most other furniture items as well. "We are always happy to collect.”

To donate your unwanted furniture to a good local cause, or to find out if The Stroud District Furniture Bank could help you with your furniture needs, call them on 01453 367260 or email info@strouddistrictfurniturebank.org.uk.