A FOREST of Dean project to make better use of old furniture and electrical goods has expanded into Monmouthshire.

The Forest Upcycling Project (FUP) already has showrooms in the King’s Head in Coleford and Hollywood Works in Cinderford. It has now opened a showroom in Chepstow opposite the railway station.

Deputy manager Nadine Jones says: “We set up the charity in June 2014 to save and repurpose furniture and white goods and at the same time provide meaningful employment opportunities to people with mental ill-health.

“Since then we’ve opened our store in Coleford and estimate we’ve saved more than 100 tonnes of unwanted household items from landfill. We’d like to thank people for donating such great stuff so far. The more we sell, the more people we can employ.”

The charity are appealing to Chepstow residents for any unwanted household items in good, reusable condition.

Nadine said: “We will collect free-of-charge and our new showroom will stock furniture, electrical equipment, rugs, kitchen and bathroom accessories – basically anything you may need to set up or update your home.

“We have already made links with Chepstow and District Mencap and

with Chepstow Hospital, where we are looking to employ people recovering from mental illness.”

The new showroom will be open from 9am to 4pm (Monday to Friday) and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday. Go to www.forestupcycling

project.com for more information.