A WINSFORD-BASED social enterprise that sells unwanted furniture and electrical items at discounted prices has received a £10,000 cash boost.

The donation from Cheshire Community Foundation will help cover costs, including rental of a workshop where goods are renovated as part of a scheme in which trainees learn new skills.

Changing Lives in Cheshire, based on Winsford Industrial Estate, has 26 paid staff and 45 volunteers and placements, ranging from retired craftsmen to new apprentices.

Gary Cliffe, co-founder and chief executive of Changing Lives in Cheshire, said: "The grant from Cheshire Community Foundation means we can utilise an empty room and support people of all ages in skills such as furniture renovation and upcycling.

“One of our aims is to help provide women with a possible pathway to return to work while gaining skills and confidence."

Cheshire Community Foundation has awarded a total of £1.8 million to not-for-profit organisations such as charities, community groups and social enterprises since it was set up in 2012.

Helen O'Donnell, chief executive of Cheshire Community Foundation, said: "We help inspire local philanthropy and invest money in grass roots organisations.

“We help people who want to give back to the places in which they live, connecting them to the local community.

“Our role is help them invest in that community in an intelligent and impactful way."