PEOPLE starting out in their new homes could be sipping coffee from Usain Bolt’s mug or sleeping under Rebecca Adlington’s duvet as furniture from the Olympic Village is donated to a furniture recycling project.

The Hopeworx project, based in Brook Road, in partnership with Brentwood’s Lighthouse Furniture, has been given duvets, pillows, cutlery, crockery, and kitchen items.

Some of the items are being given to homeless hostels including HARP in Southend, CHESS in Chelmsford and Hope In Havering.

People moving into new flats can also be referred by different agencies Kim Darwood, from the project, said: “They might be given a flat but with no bed or anything in it, that is often where we give a kitchen starter pack with crockery just to get them going in addition to beds and bedding.

“We couldn’t survive if it wasn’t for people generously donating to us or coming in to buy from us.”

Janet Fox, Hopeworx manager, added: “This is a huge opportunity and will make a significant difference to the folk we help. It is so encouraging to know the Olympic legacy goes on blessing even more people.”

Hopeworx needs donations of clean good quality furniture and electrical appliances especially cookers, fridges and microwaves to allow them to help more people.

The warehouse is also open between 9.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am until 12.30pm Saturday for anyone that wants to buy secondhand furniture. To find out more, call 01268 743232.