A FURNITURE recycling project based in the town centre has been awarded £374,000 in National Lottery funding.

Changing Lives is just one of a number community organisations across Cheshire to receive financial backing from the Big Lottery Fund.

The charity redistributes donated furniture and electrical items at affordable prices while creating supported employment and volunteer opportunities for the community.

Gary Cliffe, chief executive at Changing Lives in Cheshire, said: “Our social impacts are at the core of why we do what we do.

"Our vision is to enable people to move forward, to give them confidence and take control of their lives.

"We prepare people for the work place and teach them the vital life skills and sense of worth which will energise them to succeed for themselves."

Jenny Rouse, head of regional funding at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “All over the country, National Lottery money is being used by people who are taking the lead in developing great ideas to help their communities thrive.

"They know and understand the needs of their area better than anyone else and are best-placed to develop projects to tackle them.

"Changing Lives in Cheshire is a brilliant example of this and, thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to be able to support them to change lives for the better.”