COUNTERFEIT goods seized in Gloucestershire will soon be sent to help some of the poorest people in Africa.
The county's Trading Standards team has formed a partnership with Planet Zero, a Bedford-based charity, to export much-needed clothing and footwear.
All of the goods due to be sent will be de-branded.
One of the countries set to benefit is Senegal in west Africa where Planet Zero has already sent more than 200kg of clothing and footwear to the men, women and children of a small hinterland village.
Eddie Coventry, head of trading standards, said: "Disposing of the products in this way means Gloucestershire Trading Standards is able to help the most underprivileged and vulnerable in society.
"Plus it avoids us having to destroy the clothes and footwear by sending them to landfill, which would be a real waste when there are people who could benefit."
Michael Bonito from Planet Zero believes the partnership will help the charity continue its work.
He said: "The counterfeit goods seized by Trading Standards will enable our charity to continue essential work helping vulnerable people in some of the most impoverished communities in the world and enables us to lend vital support to many organisations."
Councillor Will Windsor-Clive (Newent, C), Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for communities, said: "Counterfeit clothing and footwear damages reputable businesses in the county, so it is great news to hear that some good is coming out of it."
The county's Trading Standards team has formed a partnership with Planet Zero, a Bedford-based charity, to export much-needed clothing and footwear.
All of the goods due to be sent will be de-branded.
One of the countries set to benefit is Senegal in west Africa where Planet Zero has already sent more than 200kg of clothing and footwear to the men, women and children of a small hinterland village.
Eddie Coventry, head of trading standards, said: "Disposing of the products in this way means Gloucestershire Trading Standards is able to help the most underprivileged and vulnerable in society.
"Plus it avoids us having to destroy the clothes and footwear by sending them to landfill, which would be a real waste when there are people who could benefit."
Michael Bonito from Planet Zero believes the partnership will help the charity continue its work.
He said: "The counterfeit goods seized by Trading Standards will enable our charity to continue essential work helping vulnerable people in some of the most impoverished communities in the world and enables us to lend vital support to many organisations."
Councillor Will Windsor-Clive (Newent, C), Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for communities, said: "Counterfeit clothing and footwear damages reputable businesses in the county, so it is great news to hear that some good is coming out of it."