A community furniture store in Harrogate has received some extra help from a rather special volunteer as they carry out their deliveries.

Essential Needs have been collecting essential items of donated furniture and making important deliveries to those in need throughout lockdown.

And the furniture store have been spreading some festive spirit whilst doing so, enlisting the help of Father Christmas when delivering!

Santa took time out of his busy schedule to help Essential Needs on their deliveries.

Santa took time out of his busy schedule to help Essential Needs on their deliveries.

Essential Needs is a registered charity situated on Gladstone Street, where it has been for 25 years. 

The store is open to everyone and as well as providing low cost, good quality items to people in furniture poverty, it has formed partnerships with Harrogate Women’s Aid IDAS, Harrogate Street Aid and a number of local churches to help those most in need in the district.

Manager of Essential Needs Lee Wright said:

“Lockdown may have slowed life up a little, but it certainly hasn’t stopped it altogether and people still need essential items of furniture if they are moving into a new house or flat and have absolutely nothing.

“For customers who are on means tested benefits or low income there’s a 30% discount on the price of all pre-owned furniture.During lockdown we are open mornings and for essential items only, but we hope to be back to our usual hours soon.

“We’re always busy, so we were very pleased Father Christmas found time to give us a hand!”

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.