A DARLINGTON charity that gives out free books is appealing for local people to volunteer their time – and to donate their unwanted page turners.

The Books For Free shop, in Bondgate, Darlington, will take books that are destined for landfill and redistribute them in the local community free of charge when it opens later this month.

As part of the Healthy Planet foundation, which runs a number of environmental projects across the country, the stores are staffed entirely by volunteers, including ex-offenders and people with special needs.

Charity founder Shaylesh Patel said: “We re-use books that charity shops and other retail outlets probably wouldn’t sell because they might be too tatty or too old.

“We want to save books from going to landfill or being pulped as it takes, on average, the equivalent of one gallon of petrol to pulp just one book.

We want to keep the books and reduce the effect recycling has on the environment.

“There is also an educational benefit too, as it makes it easier than ever for children and adults to have access to books and start reading.”

The charity already has more than 150 volunteers across the country, and has so far saved more than 812 tonnes of books from landfill.

Mr Patel said: “We also want to give people the chance to work in a shop when they normally wouldn’t have been given the chance to and help those who are struggling.

“In some of our larger stores we are working alongside other organisations, such as Sure Start Children’s Centres, to provide a space for them to continue providing their services.”

Project coordinator David Sharman said that, so far, the response had been very positive, but more volunteers are needed.

He said: “People in Darlington are very interested in the shop. They think it’s an interesting idea and have been very excited about being involved.”

As well as books, the charity is appealing for secondhand furniture to use in the shop.

Anyone who would like to volunteer, or donate books or furniture, is asked to call 0203- 405-2485 or email volunteer@ healthyplanet.org.