A charity that works to protect the environment and alleviate poverty is marking almost 30 years of operation in Ipswich.

The town’s MP Sandy Martin will be guest of honour at an event on July 12 to celebrate the achievements of Ipswich Furniture Project.

The charity takes donations of household items and refurbishes them to resell at an affordable price to people on low incomes. It also offers volunteer opportunities to people struggling to find work.

The event will look back over the charity’s work since it was formed in 1989, and allow staff and representatives from local community groups and businesses to hear how they can contribute to its further success.

Mick Allison, chairman of trustees, said: “We are delighted that Sandy will be joining us at this celebratory event and we hope to meet with many other local people from all backgrounds who are as committed as we are to helping keep Ipswich a generous and green town.”

He said over the past year nearly 3,000 people had donated more than 11,500 pieces of furniture and electrical items weighing 275 tons to the charity.

Bob Whitehead, chief executive, added: “As well as tacking poverty and environmental waste the project has an excellent track record of providing training and working experience for people of all ages who can benefit from time spent with a friendly and supportive local employer.

“We are proud of the work that we do in helping people to get job-ready during their time with us.”

Lord Deben, patron of Ipswich Furniture Project, paid tribute to the charity.

He said: “It provides new opportunities for those who have been unable to work. It furnishes the homes of those who have been through difficult times and it provides a good value retail opportunity for the public in general. We can all be very proud of the work that is done not only in Ipswich but in the wider county of Suffolk.”