ALMOST 10,000 items were saved from going to landfill in Newport last month - a massive increase on the same month last year.

The Tip Shop at the Household Waste Recycling Centre, in Docks Way, rescues items which were due to go in a skip and into landfill, instead selling them on to a new home.

And in October 9,683 items, including large play houses, musical instruments and ski boots, weighing 21.3 tonnes were rescued - 25 per cent more than in October last year.

Retail manager Philip Davies said: “We’ve seen an amazing growth rate, but it’s not just about the tonnages - it’s just as much about the work of the volunteers.

“I’m always amazed to see how our volunteers transform when they’ve been here a while.

“For many it helps build their self-esteem and makes them feel like they have something to contribute. For others it’s an opportunity to take those first steps back into the rhythm of regular work, and for some it’s a chance to gain valuable retail work experience.”

Since April this year the Tip Shop has diverted 50,212 items weighing more than 140 tonnes from landfill.