A LANCASTER recycling initiative has been named as the best community re-use project in Lancashire.

Furniture Matters, which runs re-use projects for furniture, white goods, cycles and paint, won the accolade in the Lancashire Community Recycling Network awards.

The charity began by collecting and reusing furniture in 1999 and expanded into fridge and freezers in 2000, cycles in 2002 and paint in 2003.

It also runs a training unit, delivering practical help to local people, and wants to begin IT equipment recycling.

Projects delivery manager Stephen Buchanan says: "We strive to be the best at what we do and this award recognises that."

Awards sponsor Phil Holland, of Sita UK, says: "I was impressed by the approach taken by Furniture Matters, which successfully re-used more than 200 tonnes and helped 5,000 families, in 2004."

o Launched with one van and three paid staff in 1999, the charity now operates with eight vehicles with 23 paid staff, and more than 90 volunteers.