Business still thriving.

A SCHEME to sell on second hand furniture - established when a former steel town was devastated by the loss of thousands of jobs - is thriving in the credit crunch.

Bosses at Consett YMCA in County Durham collect unwanted furniture and sell it either from a town centre shop or from a store on the outskirts of the town.

And the YMCA chief executive Billy Robson said the current recession has lead to an increase in the demand for second hand goods.

Mr Robson said: "Over the last year there has been a significant increase in the number people in crisis seeking help. Reasons for this range from being caught in the poverty trap through unemployment, low wages to social problems and changing family values and structures. Furniture is donated by the general public. Some of it requires small repairs, which are carried out on the premises.

"Working closely with Social Services, the district council housing department, CAB, Durham Mental Health, social services, probation, voluntary agencies and others the Furniture Project counsels and makes help available immediately with the provision of basic items of furniture and bedding that makes a secure home base for individuals and families, that can be added to.

"This first contact is often the difference between total despair and taking hold on a new beginning, giving a start to a new life."

The project deals with an average of 60 inquiries per day.