THE Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is offering residents across Wor-cestershire and Hereford-shire a way of giving this Christmas, with its innovative virtual gifts' scheme.

The charity says that as well as stocking up on Christmas cards, next year's calendars and bird food, people will be able to save the albatross, fund a goldeneye nest box or buy a stretch of hedgerow.

The aim of the virtual' presents is to help threatened wildlife. Profits fund the RSPB's conservation work, and last year' gifts raised more than £200,000.

This year's range includes the popular treat for tree huggers' where people can plant six young trees to become homes to birds and insects. Another is to help and create 100 square metres of heathland to re-establish rare habitat.

Louise Pedersen, RSPB assistant public affairs officer, says: "The fact that the gifts help wildlife conservation with all profits being put into the RSPB's work is very appealing for a wide spectrum of people."

The gifts range is on www.rspbshop.co.uk.