A SOCIAL housing group has taken over the former Saltburn Salerooms building to enable it to sell affordable second-hand furniture and offer training opportunities.

Coast and Country’s (CORR) ReFurnish scheme is part of the organisations Forging Futures initiative that delivers training designed to motivate and increase self-esteem.

The project will provide a number of volunteering opportunities for those who wish to build their skills, broaden their knowledge and give something back to the community.

Tracy O’Neill, head of community Investment at Coast & Country, said: “This is going to be one of our most exciting projects to date and will encompass all of our social values, including tackling worklessness and providing a facility that will have positive benefits for a whole community.

“We will aim to enable people to fulfil their potential by providing a supportive and friendly working environment where confidence, skills and experience can be developed.”

Former auctioneer John Simmons, who retired last year, said: “This is an ambitious, thoughtful and sensible project which will also create much needed work experience and training opportunities.”