There’s never been such a focus on the environment, with the stark message that we must stop that throw-away culture we have been used to.

In 2018, more than 21 million small items of furniture were binned in the UK.

Rather than the endless trips to the tip, furniture should be upcycled or at least passed on to a new owner who can work their magic to fit in with their decor.

Items should be loved and cherished, not in landfill.

To help homeowners on this mission, the London Upcycling Show is back for its fourth year.

With celebrity judges including Ground Force star Tommy Walsh and Georgina Burnett, aka Home Genie, the experts’ advice should help to create beautiful designs to be proud of.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Here the organisers of the show give three tips on upcycling.

• Check out charity or secondhand furniture shops, such as the Loop @ Grahame Park, for items you can upcycle. Alternatively have a look online on Freecycle or the free section on Gumtree.

• Preparation is key. When re-painting an item, to make sure that the new finish adheres properly to the item, sand the old paint or vanish off completely and then apply an undercoat.

• When decoupaging an item, apply several coats of PVA - letting it dry properly after each coat - to give extra depth and a glossy look. Apply one or two coats of varnish at the end to protect the decoupaged surface and make it water-resistant.

The London Upcycling Show takes place on Saturday, November 16, at Walthamstow Assembly Hall in Forest Road, Walthamstow.