People will be able to revamp their homes without paying high street prices following the opening of a new furniture shop in Workington.

GWK Shop welcomed its first customers on Tuesday at its new base on James Street.

It moved into the former Chambers Homecentre premises on James Street.

It is run by charity Groundwork North East and Cumbria which has brought in volunteers to help out.

The shop sells upcycled and personalised items of furniture which have been given a new lease of life.

Nicola Greggain, performance manager, said: "I'm really excited. There's been a lot of going out, getting deliveries, getting things sanded down and ready for painting and upcycling. 

"It's a relief because all the hard work is paying off and the furniture is selling."

The furniture will be sold at prices which low income families can afford and money raised will help the charity continue with its projects. 

Some items have been donated through Facebook while other pieces have been abandoned by their owners.

Volunteers who work in the shop can also gain qualifications which will help them get work trials and paid jobs.

The shop was opened by Workington mayor Carole Armstrong and Workington MP Sue Hayman.

It will trade from Monday to Saturday.

Nicola added: "We have had quite a number of house deliveries and a lot of members of the public have been giving us a ring and have been coming down wanting to buy furniture.

"A lot of people have said it's a wonderful idea and they have never seen anything like it.

"We're also going to be doing our own homemade stocking fillers for Christmas so we're getting ready for that."

If the shop is successful, the charity has plans to open stores in Carlisle and Barrow.