A shift in buying habits has forced a Newhaven charity which collects and resells donated furniture to appeal for volunteers and mattresses.

Newhaven-based Age UK East Sussex Furniture Warehouse is seeking staff and furniture in its bid to raise money for services for older people.

Commercial director Richard Scott-Clark said: “Second-hand is no longer seen as second best. Everyone is coming to buy.

“People come in and ask: ‘Wow is this really donated?’ “I can’t thank people enough for the volume and quality of donations.

“We are struggling to keep up with the donations as we are a van driver down.”

The furniture charity, which has shops in Avis Way and the Old Shipyard in Robinson Road, offers a free de-clutter service.

It collects furniture, white goods, homewares and electrical goods. The only item they cannot accept is a sofa without a fire safety label.

Mr Scott-Clark said: “Donations come in waves. Now we get sofas and tables but are desperate for mattresses.”

Furniture Warehouse receives donations for every taste and budget.

The team even received a new Smeg fridge which did not fit the donor’s new house.

The work is carried out by nine paid staff, with help from volunteers who tend to be people who are long-term unemployed.

Relief manager Angela Oatridge, 53, of Evelyn Road, Lewes, began as a volunteer when she was made redundant.

Mrs Oatridge said: “When you are unemployed you feel written off.

“Volunteering gives you your confidence back. I have loved it. I was made to feel so welcome.”

Mrs Oatridge likes the surprises that come with the job.

She said: “I never know what I will find, smelly socks or jewellery. We get lovely things. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

In 2013, the shipyard site gave 80 jobless people work experience and training that helped 20 of them into paid employment.

Drivers and volunteers who can offer at least half a day a week can call Nick on 01273 646800. This is also the number to call for donors who require a collection.

Find out more about furniture in stock and the charity’s work at facebook.com/NewhavenFurnitureWarehouse and www.ageuk.org.uk/eastsussex/.