THE boss of a furniture recycling charity in Darwen has appealed for people to stop leaving household items outside his shop.

Bob Kearney, who runs Darwen Churches Action, in Ellenshaw Street, helps to recycle unwanted furniture for deprived families but people often dump items in the street when the centre is closed.

He said: "If furniture is left outside it gets wet if the weather is bad and if children find it, it often disappears or is vandalised.

"I am going to put a notice up to tell people not to leave things and if they do, and I know who they are, I will do them for fly tipping.

"I know many people are well intentioned when they leave stuff behind but it doesn't help us. We have had an old cooker left outside and two settees were left recently which children took on to the back street and set on fire."

People can drop off furniture between 9am and 4pm, Thursday and Friday, or ring 01254 706420 for further details.