RUBBISH and cast-offs are being transformed into works of art and useful household items by a social enterprise run by staff and students at Teesside University.

‘Junk to Funk’ is upcycling materials at Rebuild North East based at Cannon Park in Middlesbrough, into a range of products which can be sold for good causes or given to charities.

The venture is the brainchild of Steve Thompson, the University’s Social Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Community Engagement Co-ordinator.

It is looking for shop premises in Middlesbrough where it can sell its goods and is organising a Junk to Funk festival.

Items already made include linen baskets from old computer monitor cases and a table from an electronic dance mat.

Mr Thompson said: “The Junk to Funk festival will transform a former industrial site and turn unwanted waste into practical products or engaging works of art.

“The students who are running the social enterprise come from a wide range of disciplines and are bringing on board a vast array of skills including art and design, engineering, marketing and event management.

“While working on the project, not only will they be raising funds for charity and reducing waste which is sent to landfill, but also gaining vital entrepreneurial skills," he added.

Approximately 45 students have already signed up to work on the project, six of whom will sit on the board of directors of the social enterprise.

A Junk to Funk exhibition is being held in the Constantine Gallery at Teesside University, Middlesbrough, from March 30, 2015.