BARGAIN-hunters looking to snap up new furniture in the sales are being urged to put their old belongings to good use with a Worcester-based charity.

Armchair Furniture Recycling is appealing to people not to throw out old chairs, tables, wardrobes and settees that could be used by needy families.

The charity, which was set up in 1989, aims to supply people on low incomes within a 10-mile radius of Worcester with household goods and furniture.

Last year alone, the charity handed over 1,042 household items to 297 families in Worcester.

Chairman Margaret Jones said she was delighted with the number of items given by families throughout the Faithful City, saying it was a massive boost to those who benefited from them.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated furniture," she said. It really has helped those on low incomes who may be starting off with nothing. It gives them usable furniture as well as a real psychological boost.

''If you are feeling low having nothing around you can compound the feeling, but those we have given furniture to have told us that having nice things around has really helped lift their self-esteem."

The city-based charity only gives furniture to people recommended to it by social services, the probation service and other statutory and voluntary organisations.

Anyone who may be taking advantage of the Christmas sales to buy some new furniture is asked to get in touch.

The charity has just taken possession of its second van, which has a tail-lift, something Mrs Jones said would make collection of unwanted furniture very easy.

"Instead of people going to the trouble of disposing of furniture we'll happily take it away if we feel it's suitable," she added.

"This is a time of year when people are throwing out the old to make way for the new and we are very keen to put the unwanted furniture to good use. People who are buying new furniture really could be helping those on low incomes and I would urge them to contact the charity on 01905 456080."

n Sitting pretty: Steve Hines, of the Worcester-based Armchair Furniture Recycling charity.