Charity in Christmas gift appeal

It follows internet-led research revealing that last year 63 per cent of UK adults received one or more gifts which they did not want and of the 473m wasted on gifts, 38m worth went in the bin.

Dove House Hospice, which only receives funding for 91 days of the year, and has to raise more than 3m every year to continue providing specialist palliative care for people in Hull and the East Riding, is now launching an appeal for any unwanted presents to go to its charity shops.

Marisa Coleman, retail division manager, said: "We all get presents every year which we will never use or wear. Instead of leaving them to gather dust on a shelf or get thrown away, we hope that people will remember us.

"What is unwanted by one person, may well be exactly what someone else is looking for, so we would be very grateful to receive any unwanted presents including clothes, toys, ornaments, books, CDs and sealed toiletries or gift packs. It's a great way to declutter and have a fresh start in the New Year, whilst giving valuable support to a local charity."