BRITISH Heart Foundation (BHF) shops across North Yorkshire are appealing to people to have a spring clear out next month.

As part of their March Blue Bag Appeal, BHF wants people to donate unwanted items to their local shop.

Actress Lesley Joseph, who played shopoholic Dorien in the BBC comedy Birds of a Feather, is backing the campaign.

She said: "Even Dorien clears out her wardrobe in the Spring - there are only so many designer fashions a wardrobe can hold.

"So please sort through your cupboards today. Let someone else enjoy your unwanted clothes and at the same time support the BHF's fight against heart disease."

Clothes, books, ornaments and bric-a-brac can all be donated to the charity, to help raise funds for heart research and equipment. Details are available from any BHF shop or on 0870 120 4141.