Two local businessmen have given a helping hand to the volunteers who run the Liskeard Community Chest.

Paul Griffiths, of BS Embroidery, and Rik Jones, of Tramiki Supplies Ltd, both trade on the Liskeard Business Park at Holman Road.

They have combined forces to supply the charity’s volunteer team with specially-designed purple polo shirts to make its members more recognisable as they go about their work.

Operated from a building in Barras Place which is shared with the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank, the Community Chest was started up with her own money by the late Wendy Julian a year ago with the aim of helping local people in need.

Her idea was to help people on low incomes struggling to set up home by redistributing donated furniture, white goods and other items.

Sadly Wendy was diagnosed with cancer just a month after launching the charity, and she died in January.

In their mother’s memory, Wendy’s five daughters – Sam, Paula, Emma, Val and Donna – vowed to carry on the Community Chest, which is going from strength to strength.

The donated items, ranging from a teacup to a three-piece suite, or a child’s toy to a washing machine, can be bought in return for what people are able to afford.

Occasionally the charity has a £10 Wednesday where nothing costs above that amount.

Everything raised from purchases is put back into the costs of running the building.