A PROJECT which provides needy people in West Somerset with recycled furniture has been plunged into a funding crisis.

Now, the Council for Voluntary Service has appealed for help to keep the service going.

CVS development worker Katrina Midgley said: "We've been hit with a double whammy.

"We've been struggling to maintain this loss-making service against the odds because it is so badly needed.

"Now, unforeseen circumstances have meant our regular van driver is unable to continue."

She said that due to a lack of funds, the trustees of the service had been forced to cease collections and deliveries of furniture from next Monday (July 31).

She added: "This has been a severe blow for the furniture project.

"We are now appealing for a driver and porter to work on a voluntary basis, initially for two days a week, so that the service can continue to be available right across the West Somerset area."

The project, based at the CVS offices in Quirke Street, Minehead, will continue to take donations of good quality used furniture and make it available to people on low incomes.

But there will be no collection or delivery service, so people will need to make their own arrangements.

Anyone able to offer their time should contact Katrina on 01643-707484.