Articles about the Morpeth Rotary Club depot have attracted a phenomenal response across the region, with dozens of households offering donations.

But while organisers are making daily deliveries, space is running out at the Pegswood store and with the added time and fuel costs of picking up goods outside the Borough the scheme is unable to accept items from elsewhere.

Depot administrator Rhona Dunn said: "Following recent newspaper articles we have had a great response from the public offering furniture.

"We have been making regular collections as space allows and delivering just as quickly.

"Unfortunately, we have had to decline some offers from more distant donors on the basis of time and fuel costs. We are currently accepting items from the Castle Morpeth area only, but are nevertheless grateful that people further afield have shown such interest."

The depot was set up in the aftermath of the September flood to provide furniture and furnishings for residents whose own belongings were lost, contaminated or damaged beyond repair.

The store originally operated from a unit in Coopies Lane, before moving to Pegswood Industrial Estate, and will soon relocate to Northgate Hospital.

Currently, there is a need for chests of drawers, small kitchen tables, chairs and bedside cabinets, but television sets, dining room furniture and three piece suites are not required.

However, the situation will be kept under review and organisers will issue fresh appeals or review their collection restrictions if necessary.

Morpeth Lions Club member Les Sage, who is helping with deliveries, said: "We have restricted the collections at the moment because we can pick two or three items up in the Borough in the time it would take to get to Gateshead for one.

"We could maybe collect in Newcastle if there were four or five pieces in one place, but to go there for one is not worthwhile.

"If we have space or are running short of stuff we might have to organise something elsewhere, but we are just seeing what happens and what demand there is as people move back into their houses.

"The response to the furniture deliveries is fantastic. As we deliver the furniture we are seeing exactly what it is all about — happy people back in their houses."

Anyone wishing to donate to the store should contact Mrs Dunn on 01670 518884, or 07977 320681.

Flood victims in need of furniture can visit the depot on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from Noon to 3pm, however other times can be arranged with Mrs Dunn if the normal hours are inconvenient.

Residents are reminded to first contact the British Red Cross at Castle Morpeth FirstCall in Bridge Street, Morpeth, to register for assistance. Alternatively, call 07623 912340.