A CHARITY which supports thousands of Dorset families and organisations is under threat unless a kind-hearted volunteer can loan volunteers a van.

The Dorset Scrapstore, based in Alder Hills, Poole, collects materials donated by industry and sells them to community groups, schools and families for arts and crafts.

But helpers say they can't run the charity after their 18-year-old van finally broke down for good.

Manager Vanessa Marsh said: "We badly need help.

"We've applied for money from the Aviva Community Fund, which supports organisations like us, but we won't find out if we're successful until next year.

"We just can't do without the van."

The Scrapstore works with 100 Dorset schools, 225 community groups and 750 families.

There are almost 2,000 members.

"It's an absolutely brilliant resource," Vanessa said.

"But to make it affordable for everyone, we do need a van. We are desperately asking for anyone who can help to loan us a vehicle.

"If there was a supporter who felt able to give us a van, that would be even better and we'd be so grateful."

The charity was founded in 1999 with the aim of collecting clean and safe industrial surplus materials from donor manufacturers.

Waste materials including plastics, foam, fabrics and paints stay out of landfill and are given new life.

Vanessa said the van has been "loved and cared for", but added: "It's just come to the end, sadly.

"If we can't collect materials the whole charity is at risk."

To date, Dorset Scrapstore has diverted an estimated 247 tonnes of ‘waste’ - 22 tonnes more than the weight of the Statue of Liberty - away from landfill.

For more information, or to help, visit dorsetscrapstore.org.uk