A CHARITY that helps impoverished families turn their houses into homes is itself planning a move.

The County Durham Furniture Help Scheme plans to expand its work by relocating to a former social club which closed last summer.

The charity has outgrown its base in Chilton so will take over The Southerne Club, in Newton Aycliffe.

The club shut in September following a two year struggle due to falling membership and rising debts.

The charity has agreed terms to rent the building for five years while it tries to raise the money to buy it- around £450,000.

Managing director Chris Palmer, who started CDFHS in 1970, said: "The premises will be more accessible but require substantial renovations, a lift and garages and we’ll need more volunteers and to raise lots of money.

"I’m confident we’ll be able to help even more destitute or poverty-stricken families to furnish their homes, using recycled furniture collected from local residents.

"We help keep families together and prevent thousands of pieces of furniture going to landfill."

Mr Palmer also hopes to establish a training scheme to teach volunteers electrical skills and how to repair white goods donated to the scheme.

For information or to support the charity visit its base at Unit 20, Avenue 3, Chilton Industrial Estate or see the website www.cdfhs.co.uk.