A NORTH-EAST charity that recycles old electrical equipment is being extended nationally.

Renew North-East, in Gateshead, largely funds itself by repairing and selling washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, fridges, freezers and cookers.

It works with community groups and agencies to offer training to long-term unemployed people as domestic service engineers or in customer care, marketing and sales.

Renew North-East production manager Garry King said: "We started in the wake of the downturn in traditional industries and the subsequent skills gap, to provide training for unemployed people and reduce the amount of material going to landfill."

Its success has led Sita Environmental Trust, which is funded by the landfill tax, to put £1.4m into setting up 12 more Renew-style operations.

Mr King said: "It is wonderful to have visits from around the UK and European countries to see how we operate. It is a huge buzz for us."

Renew North-East receives funds from Gateshead Council and European grants.

With 11 full-time staff, it fits appliances free within three miles and for a token charge outside that radius.

Each year, 13,000 machines pass through its hands. Those that cannot be repaired are used for spare parts or scrap.