A furniture charity in Richmond has celebrated its best sales in three years and now needs to expand its workshop to meet demand.

Richmond Furniture Scheme, which sells cheap, reused furniture primarily to people in need, needs an environmentally-friendly pro bono architect to help expand its workshop for trainees and volunteers.

In 2006/07 1,408 people visited the scheme, rising to 4,020 the year after. Despite receiving 4,761 items of furniture last year, the increase has not been enough to meet needs.

Jo Gregory said: “As winter approaches it becomes increasingly difficult to work outside. The very small workshop we have at present provides space for a maximum of three workers.”

The project currently has a trainer, five volunteers and two trainees working in the carpentry and maintenance side of the project, but wants to hear from local people with carpentry skills and experience who are willing to volunteer their time.

Mrs Gregory said: “People often complain that we will not take their perfectly-serviceable but worn items of furniture. The reality is that however badly-off people are they still want things to look good. We have to reflect the taste and standards of our customers.”

The charity desperately needs beds, wardrobes, chest of drawers, curtains and bric-a-brac.

Email Jo Gregory at admin@richmondfurniturescheme.co.uk.