This Recycle Week, 12 – 18 September, homelessness charity Emmaus Preston is launching the biggest charity shop in the country in Preston city centre.

The Emmaus Preston Megastore located on Brookfield Street covers more than 40,000 square feet and will stock a range of furniture, whitegoods, household items, clothes and bric-a-brac.

The charity is using Recycling Week 2016 to encourage people to think about purchasing preloved items and appeal for donations of good quality furniture and household items to and sell at their new Megastore.

Damien, companion at Emmaus Preston, said: “It was incredibly hard work to get everything ready for opening the megastore but now we have, we’re glad it has come off. It’s a good idea to bring together the work of multiple Emmaus communities in one site and I’m excited for the future.”

Emmaus Preston supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a stable home and meaningful work for as long as they need it. The charity now operates four social enterprises where they sell donated furniture, whitegoods, clothes, bikes, household goods and upcycled products.

Stephen Buchanan, Director of Emmaus Preston, said: “Our new megastore in Preston will provide work to the formerly homeless people we support, generate an income to support Emmaus Preston and give people the chance to buy great value items for their home. Our team of companions (the people we support), local volunteers and staff have worked tirelessly to get everything ready and we’re delighted to have the doors open for Recycle Week 2016.”

Recycling isn’t just about separating out your weekly rubbish collections; many different materials can be rescued from landfill and put to good use. Last year, Emmaus communities across the UK saved more than 3,000 tonnes of waste from going to landfill.

To find out more and support Emmaus Preston head to www.emmaus.org.uk/preston. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 01772 796622 or visit the Megastore at Brookfield Street (just off North Road), Preston PR1 1NR.