ONE of the UK's most famous country estates has teamed up with a social enterprise which offers opportunities to people who have struggled to find work.

Blackbird Leys' RAW Workshop, a social enterprise which trains and supports people who face prejudice and barriers to work, has been contracted by the Blenheim Palace estate to collect and recycle its waste wood.

RAW workers, many of whom have experienced issues such as physical or learning difficulties, mental health issues, addiction or criminal records, are collecting the wood and turning it in to products in the company's workshop.

The wood from the estate, such as trees and fencing, pallets and broken furniture, will be transformed into gifts and new furniture.

Rick Mower, CEO of RAW, said: "Blenheim is a global brand and to be working with someone of that stature is testament to the quality of our products and the people we have working for us.

"They have been very visionary in their approach to the environment and are leading the way in this area.

"We’re determined to show, through what we produce, that you shouldn’t judge people by their past or by their life-challenges.

"It is not just about giving people the opportunities to show what they can do, it's recognising there is value in their past experiences and what they have been through.

"They have the skills and determination built up that can go in to creating products that people want to buy."

Blenheim has also commissioned RAW to produce shelving for its shop, made from 100 per cent reclaimed wood.

Jacqueline Gibson, sustainability advisor for Blenheim Palace, said: “This partnership offers an environmentally friendly outlay for waste generated across the estate, while also changing lives for the better.

"It’s a truly sustainable model which we are proud to support.

“We are also looking at the potential next year of offering a range of their products in our retail shop, some of which would be made from reclaimed wood from the estate."