AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after charity bags were dumped in bushes for the second time in two months.

In late February, dozens of Forces Support appeal bags were ditched in Pity Me, Durham City.

Now around 50 Against Breast Cancer (ABC) bags have been left nearby.

The delivery firm for ABC, Recycling Clothes Company (RCC), has started an internal investigation and the bags have been removed.

Simon Mitchell, from the company, said it rigorously policed its collection teams and worked towards building good relations with the council and police at all times.

Wendy Taylor Hill, the charity director, said: “Recycling clothes schemes like ours keep textiles out of landfill and enable individuals to support a charity without having to part with any cash, by donating something that they no longer need.

“Our recycling partner makes donations to support breast cancer research based on the weight of clothing they collect.

“This is a valuable service to a small charity like ours so we were pleased that RCC was able to respond so speedily.”

Jacqueline Stanhope, the resident who spotted the dumped bags, said the people and wildlife of Durham deserved to live in a clean environment.

A litter campaigner, she made headlines last year after dumping a big bag-full of rubbish in a leisure centre to highlight the state of the area.