A DARWEN furniture recycling centre is going from strength to strength after employing a new manager for its white goods workshop.

It is hoped new manager Peter Nuttall, who will be based at the White Goods Recycling Training Workshop, in Kay Street, will build on the success of the charity.

Blackburn with Darwen Churches Action appointed Mr Nuttall after receiving a Lottery grant of £65,280 from the community recycling and economic development programme.

The charity is currently expanding its operation to offer a better service to the local community.

The cash grant will also support local training for disadvantaged people in skills such as the repair and refurbishment of cookers, washers and small electrical items for re-use by clients of the store.

Fred Milligan, general manager of the store, "By increasing the amount and range of items being recycled and re-used the project will not only be reducing landfill but will also be offering quality items to families coping with disadvantage."

The store is currently appealing for donations of blankets, quilts and pillows during the Winter months.