The number of sofas and beds in Surrey thrown away last year was enough to stretch across the width of the county if they were laid end to end.

The 30,000 pieces of furniture, which could have been reused in new homes, would have stretched for around 36 miles, more than the distance across Surrey.

To change this, Surrey County Council is supporting the Surrey Reuse Network (SRN) which aims to find new homes for donated furniture and kitchen appliances, we well as offering training and employment opportunities to families in need.

Every year the network helps thousands of households to furnish their homes at affordable prices and stop the items being wasted.

John Furey, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “These are difficult economic times so good quality reusable furniture items are a great option for giving the home a facelift and benefitting the environment too.”

To buy or donate furniture call 0800 0820180 or visit surreyreusenetwork.org.uk.