A popcorn-maker, chocolate fountain and piano were among the pre-loved items picked up by bargain hunters at a massive free giveaway day.

Punters were queuing at the door as the Op Shop opened up its Caldewgate warehouse in Carlisle, to reduce its stock as it plans to move to a smaller home.

But rather than get rid of all the furniture, toys and miscellaneous items stored there, people were invited to come along on Saturday and grab themselves anything that caught their eye - free of charge.

The Op Shop teamed up with Cumbria County Council to host the Great Free Good Giveaway Day in a bid to reduce waste and find new homes for hundreds of second hand items.

Judith Bradshaw, waste prevention officer at Cumbria County Council, said there was a steady flow of people throughout the day and it was a win-win situation for both the community and the environment.

"There was a queue to start with. It was great to see it," she said. The publicity has really worked.

"We must be in the hundreds of people - a couple of hundred at least to start [the day] with. It was packed. You couldn't move.

"Our main aim is to keep things out of the landfill sites so anything that goes out of here is an absolute bonus if somebody wants it. If it's free, going to a good home people and people can use it - absolutely brilliant.

"There's no need to throw stuff away just because somebody's used it. There's always someone who wants it."

Kim Hall, Op Shop administrator, added that she was surprised by how many people turned out, including students wanting to furnish their new homes and youngsters looking for exciting new toys.

"It was more than I thought to be honest. I've seen people go out with baskets, boxes and small items they can carry - and we're delivering the bigger stuff," she said.

Lucky 10-year-old Chloe Norman, of Raffles, Carlisle, came away with a popcorn maker, doughnut maker, chocolate fountain and crafts, while her mum Ann Lansdowne bagged a cot and mattress as well as a king-size mattress.

Ann, 30, came to the event to save money on things she needed for her home but was surprised to find so much.

She said: "We also got two TV wall brackets. Brand new and in their box. And I got a big roll of lino for the bathroom."

Tracey Wisniewski ( CORR) , of Old Harraby, Carlisle, found out about the giveaway through Facebook.

"I got some lamps and cushions and other things like that so I'm happy. It all helps the environment and it's always good to have a rummage," she said.

The giveaway is just one of a number of ways the Christian-based charity aims to help the local community. After Storm Desmond Op Shop donated to flood victims and collected anything they needed.