IN just over 18 months since its formation, Redditch Freecycle (RF) has grown to more than 3,000 members.

In celebration of reaching this milestone, group administrators have now launched a new website, which it is hoped will lead to a rise in both the membership and number of items kept out of landfill.

Part of the international Freecycle Network, RF matches people who have things they need to get rid of with people who can use them. It is similar to eBay except all items posted are free. The sole aim of the group is to reduce the amount of items discarded by finding new homes for them.

Andy Griffin, of RF, said: "Thanks to wonderful support from Worcestershire County Council, numerous articles in the local press and our own efforts at community events we have amassed more than 3,000 members. RF is now one of the biggest and most active groups in the West Midlands.

"Items regularly on offer include household furniture, electrical equipment, childrens' toys, building materials and clothes. Most things are snapped up within a day, allowing members to quickly and easily de-clutter their homes without having to step outside the door or pay the council to take it away.

"After months of hard work building our website, it has finally been launched and offers numerous benefits to our members and anyone seeking to be a member. Basically it's far more user-friendly, with help and support now easily accessible and a clever facility that generates messages in the correct format, for anyone struggling."

For more details, visit www.redditchfreecycle.org.uk.