A WALLASEY-based scheme to repair and recycle unwanted furniture by providing training opportunities for the unemployed has won backing from the region’s waste authority.

"Project UP" has won a £14,000 grant from Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority’s and Veolia Environmental Services Community Fund to help it stop unwanted furniture going to landfill – and help out local families at the same time.

All the restored furniture is distributed free of charge to local residents in desperate need.

The initiative is run by Groundwork Cheshire and Wirral's Magenta Living.

Groundwork's Jon Hutchinson said: “The grant will make a big difference and means that we can continue our work and really make a difference – not just to the amount of material sent to landfill but, through training opportunities and furniture donations, to communities across the Wirral as well.”

The Project UP workshop in Wallasey collects unwanted furniture destined for landfill strips it back to its original state and then refinishes it with a modern twist.

All renovation work is being completed by a team of young volunteers as a means of training and education.

The scheme is also working with Wirral Metropolitan College offering students work experience.

Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority Chief Executive Carl Beer said: “Project UP is a great example of how a relatively small amount of money – and a creative approach - can make a big difference to the lives of people in Merseyside communities.”