DORSET Scrapstore is looking for new volunteers to help them reach out to more people.

Over 18 months ago, the charity opened their Poole branch in the Remploy building, but now they need more volunteers and potentially, a new site in the county.

Sharon Grigg, manager, says that due to government decisions to potentially close down Remploy, they will have to look for a building to house the charity’s work.

It all started 11 years ago, based in Puddletown in Dorchester, which collects recyclable items which companies no longer wants.

Then through the membership scheme, individuals, schools and organisations can go to one of the two centres and select the pieces they want to use for craft projects.

Sharon said: “We need new volunteers, as we’ve got lots of ideas for craft workshops but we just don’t have the man-power at the moment to do it.

“We’ve got about 3,000 rolling memberships, but only around 800 of those are active members.

“Basically, what we do is go round Dorset companies and collect the things that other throw away, things that can be re-used such as bottles, card and fabric, which is all clean.

“Members can then pay £6 to fill up a bin bag full of things to takeaway and use.

“So it’s about recycling as well as offering products at cost price to use in crafts and things.

“You’d be amazed at what people throw away.”

Some of the people who work with Dorset Scrapstore also go into schools and teach classes on how to make craft projects.

But the charity relies on word of mouth for people to find out more about them and get involved.

“We’ve had some difficult times but we are still here, and we just need volunteers to cut things up and break them into smaller pieces, and some to work in the shop on the till.

“I’d also like to start making craft kits but we just need more volunteers first, and those full of new ideas for us would of course be welcome.”

For more information, go to dorsetscrapstore.co.uk.