A not-for-profit organisation is set to open its first reuse shop in the country in Romford in the coming weeks.

Habitat for Humanity will launch its “ReStore” offering second-hand furniture, appliances, home goods and DIY building materials at the site of the former Poundstretcher store in High Street.

The organisation fights poverty and homelessness and campaigns for better homes for people.

Karla Rednall, of Habitat for Humanity, told the Recorder that the Romford store will be its first such outlet in the UK.

She said: “It is something very different from regular charity shops.

Read More: Romford Poundstretcher set to be replaced by new shop

"In terms of donations, say if you are switching your lights, people could bring us their old one. So, we accept stuff like chandeliers, doorknobs, hinges, building supplies and furniture of course.

“We also get architects and deconstruction companies reaching out because they are putting in a new kitchen and we accept the old kitchen that we will then sell at a fraction of the cost."

Karla added that they chose Romford as the location for their first store partly due to its good transport links with the M25 and Elizabeth line.

Romford, she said, has its own identity as an outer London town and hasn’t been “swallowed up” by London yet.

“Romford has such an amazing community feel to it. We really love that. It’s really accessible for volunteers and people donating and for practical reasons it’s a good location.

“We were also looking for a location where people would benefit from low price DIY to improve their homes”, she added.

While a date is yet to be finalised for the store’s opening, Karla said they are hoping to launch it towards the end of May.

The store will soon invite volunteers to apply for its many roles, Karla added.

“In our other stores we often get volunteers who are like retired electricians or retired carpenters, or people who want to give back to the community but don't necessarily want to be in a regular charity shop.

“So, this is an opportunity for people to volunteer who may want to come out of the trades or come out of retail to try something different."