AS the clock ticks out the last few hours to Christmas may I ask your readers to consider an alternative to the post-Yuletide scramble for refunds and exchanges that seems to be a growing feature at all major retailers?

Why not give your unwanted, duplicate, unfashionable or illfitting gifts to a local charity to pass on directly to a needy person or sell to raise funds for worthy projects.

There are numerous organisations in the North-East that deal with great causes such as the homeless, battered women and their children, the sick and lonely for which the gift you never had on Christmas Eve and do not want on Boxing Day would be treasured, and the kindness of both your thoughtfulness and the person who gave to you the present remembered throughout the year.

Merry Christmas one and all, B Jackson, Sacriston