VULNERABLE families benefited from the kindness of your Worcester News readers who donated their unwanted furniture.

Kindhearted readers responded to a desperate plea made from Paul Clarke, operations co-ordinator at Second Chance Furnishings, for sofas, beds and wardrobes after it saw a surge in referrals after Christmas.

Last month, 19 families had been referred to the not-for-profit organisation, based at Three Springs Trading Estate, Vincent Road, Worcester, in urgent need of furniture.

Stock levels had dropped dramatically but, following the plea in your Worcester News, it managed to fulfil the referrals from Worcester City Council through its Discretionary Welfare Assistance Scheme.

Previously, Mr Clarke said it helped people who had escaped domestic violence, people who had been homeless and others who had fallen on hard times.

It also sells secondhand furniture from its warehouse on the trading estate.

Mr Clarke thanked everyone who had got in touch following the appeal.

"We have had a massive response from the public and we did manage to fulfil all of the 19 referrals but this is always an ongoing challenge, so we need donations all the time.

"We had 22 phone calls from the public who responded to the article and they donated sofas, beds and other items which is amassing.

"A massive thank you to them but we need it to keep coming.

"We all can make a difference to people lives in one way or another."

Second Hand Furnishings, set up by St Paul's Hostel, is currently in need of sofas, beds, wardrobes and chest of drawers.

Anyone who can help should call 01905 360785 or email secondchancefurnishings@stpaulshostel.co.uk.