A CHARITY providing cheap furniture to people on low incomes is to open a store in Chester-le-Street.

The County Durham Furniture Help Scheme (Cdfhs) already sells new and second hand items from its base on Chilton Industrial Estate, near Bishop Auckland.

At present Cdfhs has only signed up to run the store, which opens tomorrow (Wednesday, April 29) at St Cuthbert’s Walk Shopping Centre, Chester-le-Street, for eight weeks.

However, if it proves a success, the charity will look to extend the lease.

The shop will also sell items from the charity’s Rural Refurb scheme, where customers can ask for furniture to be restored and painted to their own specifications.

Steve Mitton, Cdfhs company secretary and business development manager, said: “We’re passionate about taking our services out into the community. This makes us more accessible.

Staff from the Prince Bishops Community Bank and the NE First Credit Union will also be available to offer financial advice.

The shop will be open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Details can be obtained via 01388-721509 or online at cdfhs.org.uk