A charity shop is asking people to donate any unwanted items they receive for Christmas.

In December, British Heart Foundation (BHF) shops often experience a drop in donations as people are busy preparing for Christ-mas. However, it is still a crucial time for shops to receive much needed stock.

BHF shops will gratefully accept good quality, clean clothing, shoes, accessories, books, CDs, DVDs, videos, toys and bric-a-brac.

British shoppers spend £1.3bn on Christmas presents that are unsuitable or not wanted.

Ken Blair chief executive for BHF shops said: "Christmas is the time of giving and receiving presents, but occasionally we get a gift that we can't find a use for, perhaps items we already have, things that we don't need, or clothes that are the wrong size or style. We'd like to ask people to make their first New Year's resolution a visit to their local BHF to donate unwanted items so that we can give them a new lease of life. We can find a perfect new home for all gifts and at the same time raise vital money to help fight heart disease. So, start the new year in a positive way by donating to the BHF."

Last year BHF raised £9.7m to fund education, patient care and vital research into heart and circulatory disease, the UK's single biggest killer.

To donate any unwanted gifts either drop them into your local BHF charity shop, or call 0870 120 4141 to arrange a free collection.

BHF shops can be found locally at: 12 Mealcheapen Street, Wor-cester, 01905 610115; 10 St Peter's Street, Hereford, 01432 354643; 47a Bridge Street, Evesham, 01386 40510; 50 High Street, Bromsgrove, 01527 872134; 21 Worcester Street, Kid-derminster, 01562 60793; 3 Market Place, Redditch 01527 591560.