TWENTY-seven disadvantaged and disabled people were helped into paid work in 2017 by Kendal-based Right2Work.

The social enterprise, which has a second-hand furniture warehouse at the town's Mintsfeet industrial estate, is part of the Oaklea Trust and has just released its annual report.

Major highlights include making 147 employment referrals last year, diverting 120 tonnes of waste away from landfill, and moving to a bigger and better site in Kendal.

Right2Work's dedicated staff work with more than 200 people each year. Activities including recycling donated goods and pieces that come into the company under its bulky waste contract with South Lakeland District Council. The team helps disabled and disadvantaged people to gain valuable work skills .

Clive Wigley, its interim chair, said: "The financial performance of the company during this period has remained strong with an overall surplus being achieved that allows the work of the company to grow and develop.

"It has been a pleasure to be the interim chair of Right2Work and take part in the development of this exciting and progressive company.

"At the recent company annual meeting, a permanent chair has been voted in (Phillip Shea). We look forward to him continuing to build on the good work of this very special organisation."

For the full report, visit www.oakleatrust.co.uk/news/right2work-annual-report-2017