A HOSPICE is appealing for unwanted Christmas presents to be donated to help raise funds.

East Lancashire Hospice is asking for presents that are not to taste, duplicated gifts and boxes of unopened chocolates or biscuits to be put to good use by helping the hospice generate funds.

Whatever the unwanted gifts, large or small, the hospice can turn these items into cash by offering them as raffle prizes or selling them in one of the hospice charity shops in Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Great Harwood or Clitheroe where they will be helping a local charity for local people.

Fundraiser Kimberley Hall said: “”veryone probably receives at least one present they’ll never use.

“So instead of them taking up space in your cupboards or drawers, donating them to the hospice means they can find a new home while raising vital funds to help with patient care.”

“If you would like to donate an item, they can be dropped at any of our East Lancashire Hospice shops or at Merton House reception in the hospice grounds at Park Lee Road, Blackburn.