North East worst in the UK for hoarding, according to new study

The North East is the worst in the UK for hoarding, with the number of hoarders in Durham and Darlington up on last year.

That's according to new research by rubbish removal company Clearabee.

Rob Cherrie, manager at Safer Homes in Durham and Darlington, told TFM they have seen 61 more hoarders in the area since January. .

He said: "Hoarders are inevitably going to be the most vulnerable people in our community, without a shadow of a doubt.

"As an emergency service, we find it very difficult to get into these homes."

Self-confessed hoarder Godfrey Bennett, from Newton Aycliffe, has been a hoarder since the age of five.

With help from family and friends, he is now selling his clutter to raise money for charity.

"I have just been a saver of things," he said.

"Or I feel it is a shame to put them in the dust bin when they could prove useful to somebody else.

"My mum and dad died and we had their house to empty.

"My wife's mum and dad died, so that was another house.

"So, that has helped towards all the different items that have been hoarded."