Truepath Services, which has been operating since 2004, is based at Gawcott Fields and collects, sorts and distributes unwanted textiles.

Items which are clean and in good condition are exported to Third World and poor countries, including India, Pakistan, the Ukraine and some African countries, to be resold and reused. Unwearable items are shredded and reused in different industries to make wiping cloths, insulation and roofing felts, and other items.

The firm is effectively continuing the traditional rag-and-bone trade, when a cart used to travel around villages and towns collecting unwanted items.

Owner Linda Becket said she felt passionate about green issues and – because it was an environmentally friendly form of transport – she hoped to introduce a horse-drawn collection service in the near future. She said: "There is no car involved and it is something the older generation loves to see. It brings back memories for them and provides a new tradition for the youngsters."

She added exporting the clothes enabled people in poorer countries to earn money for themselves through selling the items at local markets in their own countries.

The business will purchase garments at £2.50 per bag; however, unwanted items can also be left at Truepath Services collection bins at Ardley Fields Recycling Centre in Bicester, at Buckingham Industrial Park, and in Rabans Lane in Aylesbury.

For more information, contact Mrs Beckett and her team on 01280 823375 or 07932 855019.