AN empty shop in a struggling town centre will be brought back to life thanks to a new furniture scheme.

Not-for-profit organisation More Time is moving into the former inShops (CORR) store at the end of this month to provide affordable furniture to the people of Bishop Auckland.

The new venture will also hold upcycling seminars and workshops, to encourage people to save money by updating furniture at a low cost while learning new skills.

Volunteers will also play a key role in the project and anyone wishing to get involved is asked to get in touch.

The company is a trading subsidiary of charity DISC, whose main objective is to create employment pathways for people who may struggle to access mainstream employment.

It offers a range of services, from commercial and new-build cleans, to facilities management and empty homes projects.

It also oversees the DISC Furniture Scheme, in Newton Aycliffe, as well as the More Time cafe and catering services.

Business manager Julie Nisbet said: “Bringing our furniture scheme to Bishop Auckland is the perfect opportunity for us to support the community, and help people think about upcycling furniture rather than struggle to purchase new items.

“We’re currently appealing for donations of furniture, and hope that people in the area can help us to get the project off the ground. In school holidays, we’ll also be putting on craft workshops for families to create their own small gifts.

“Our main focus, however is helping people develop new skills and give them work experience through volunteering, and we are also appealing to the public to offer a few hours of their time at our new project.”

The company was recently shortlisted for employer of the year at the Aycliffe Business Park Make York Mark Awards.

Volunteers are paramount to the success of the project, and there are a range of opportunities, from customer service skills, sales and admin, to furniture operatives and drivers mate.

If you would like to donate good quality, saleable furniture to the project, More Time will collect for free.

To arrange collection of items, or to request a volunteering application form, contact furniture co-ordinator Pat Smith on 01325-731294 or email furniture@disc-vol.org.uk

For more details, visit moretimeonline.com/furniture-scheme