Gloucestershire-based Furniture Recycling Project (FRP) has been announced as the latest winner of David Cameron’s Big Society Award.

The community-based recycling scheme, which operates throughout six locations in Gloucester and Cheltenham, was nominated for a Big Society Award by the general public. The scheme provides recycled furniture and electrical goods to low-income households while promoting the development of its volunteers and trainees, was nominated for a Big Society Award by the general public.

The award, which showcases businesses that excel on ‘promoting social action, empowering communities and opening up public service’, was given to FRP for its “inspiring” commitment to helping the local community's low-income families.

As a Big Society Award winner, FRP will now receive an invitation to a reception at No.10 Downing Street and receive a plaque and signed certificate from the Prime Minister.

According to Number 10, the charity's top accomplishments, include:

• Delivering 12,000 recycled items to low-income families in 2012
• Offering training and experience to 60 young people from ‘more deprived areas’ annually
• Recycling 300 tonnes of furniture and electrical goods annually
• Saving the council money and time by diverting approximately 3000 'bulky item' collections

"I want to congratulate the Furniture Recycling Project on their Big Society Award", said Prime Minister, David Cameron.

"Their commitment to helping the community's low income families is inspiring; whether that involves providing essential furniture at reasonable prices, or supporting trainees gaining work experience and skills. It is fantastic to see a charity like this go from strength to strength. I wish them all the best for the future in building Gloucestershire's recycling enterprise."

Ian Ellis, Chief Executive of the Furniture Recycling Project welcomed the award, saying: “We are extremely honoured to receive this award from the Prime Minister.

“This award is very much a testament to the hard work and dedication of those involved with FRP over many years, which has enabled us to offer some support to Gloucestershire's community.

"We are only a small part of what is a significant amount of work that goes on within our communities throughout the UK making an important difference to the lives of many. I hope that this award will have the added benefit for others currently supporting their communities to be recognised and to inspire others in making a difference."

The Prime Minister's Big Society Awards were set up in 2010 to “pay tribute to those making a valuable contribution to their community” and acknowledge individuals and organisations in the UK that demonstrate the 'big society' in their work and activities.

To date there have been 42 Big Society Award winners.