A CHARITY is appealing to people with unwanted Christmas gifts to donate them to its County Durham stores.

Barnardo’s North East wants people to recycle presents by taking them to its shops in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland; Middle Street, Consett, and High Street, Tow Law, so they can be sold to raise vital funds.

The stores are short on stock, particularly winter clothes, and are also appealing for people who need to make space in their wardrobe after shopping in the sales to donate clothes, collectibles, household goods, books, toys, CDs, videos and DVDs.

Television presenter Melinda Messenger teamed up with the charity last year to promote its stock campaign.

Money raised will help the charity which last year supported around 18,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the region and their families.

For details about the charity or other stores visit the website barnardos.org.uk