A PEEBLESSHIRE charity has issued an urgent plea for volunteers.

The Walkerburn-based furniture re-use charity Home Basics has issued its appeal after volunteer numbers dwindled.

The group, which proves low income Borderers with access to affordable home furnishings, relies heavily upon the help of volunteers.

Business manager Dennis Fisher said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our charity and essential to the continuation of our work. We have been fortunate to be very well supported by local people. However, due to a number of our volunteers moving on and gaining paid work, we find ourselves in urgent need of more help.

“We have a couple of van drivers but in order to do their jobs they need a ‘buddy’ to ride along with them and help carry items of furniture in and out of homes. The role is the ideal way to see different areas of our region and be part of a great team.”

The charity, which also has a depot based in Hawick, is keen to recruit people who could spare a few hours a week to help with collect and deliver items.

Volunteers are also needed to assist in its two depots with a wide range of duties – from sorting and pricing donated items of furniture to helping with sales, administration and marketing.

Most of the current volunteers spend up to six hours each week helping out.

The charity can also help volunteers to develop new skills to assist them with finding employment including learning how to test electrical appliances, sales experience and up-cycling furniture items. 

For more information, call 01896 870455.