by Nicola Ward

Six county charities have been given the chance to publicise their work, thanks to the support of Leicester firm LAN Systems.

The company is assisting furniture recycling charities operating around the county by printing the Leicestershire Furniture Recycling Projects Handbook 2001, which describes the work of the various charities and how people can pass on their unwanted furniture to people in real need.

Richard Featherstone, project co-ordinator at Leicester-based recycling charity Suppliers Of Furniture And Accessories (SOFA), said: "LAN Systems have been very good to us, and thanks to them we can provide more information on furniture recycling projects across Leicestershire.

"Our aim is not only to let people know what can be done with their unwanted household furniture, but also to raise awareness of the need for volunteers to help run the projects. "Without a team of willing hands, we cannot get our important work done on time. In turn we offer our volunteers training opportunities and support."

The six charities saved and passed on over 15,000 items of furniture to those in need last year, and LAN Systems sales director Joe Margetts said: "We supported the production of this handbook, as without our help it was clear it would not be published.

"We consider the work carried out by these charities important, and wanted to support their endeavours."

The handbooks will be distributed to councils and voluntary organisations across Leicestershire. Anyone wishing to know more about them, or who would like to find out more about the voluntary opportunities on offer, can contact SOFA on 0116 254 5283.

LAN Systems provide competitive rates for the voluntary sector on photocopying, printing and computer services, and can be contacted on 0116 223 0033.

BOOK LAUNCH: Showing off the handbooks are, from left, LAN Systems sales director Joe Margetts, LAN business development manager Richard Garner, SOFA administrator Jo Holland, SOFA co-ordinator Richard Featherstone, and volunteer Jenny Wells