ELY community group SOFA is desperate for volunteers to contribute to the project. But, after a similar recent appeal for help, gremlins in the charity s answer phone meant 27 calls were lost. Now the organisers are hoping that anyone who tried to ring

ELY community group SOFA is "desperate" for volunteers to contribute to the project.

But, after a similar recent appeal for help, gremlins in the charity's answer phone meant 27 calls were lost.

Now the organisers are hoping that anyone who tried to ring a couple of weeks ago will call back and pledge support.

The Lynn Road-based organisation reclaims quality furniture and passes it on at minimal cost to members of the community, but the group is struggling because of a lack of staff.

Project manager Sherry Halls said: "We need people who can lift - they could come in on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday or help out in the shop on Saturdays."

She said the group offers flexible working hours and any working arrangement would be compatible with the school run.

"We are an organisation run by Ely people for Ely people," Ms Halls said, "and we need the support of the community.

"But I'm worried that when our last appeal went out in the Ely Standard volunteers may have called, got lost in the workings of the answer machine and thought we hadn't bothered to get back to them. We can only apologise and say 'please call again'."

She said SOFA now has a supplier that is able to provide white goods, such as refrigerators and freezers, at an affordable price.

The charity is holding its annual meeting on July 13 at noon at its headquarters.

INFO: If you are interested in helping SOFA, contact the group on 01353 663418.