HOLIDAYMAKERS with leftover European currency are being asked to hand it over to charity before it expires.
The Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands has teamed up with Age Concern as the Euro is set to take over in 12 countries.
Liz Lynne is using her constituency office in Warwickshire as a collection point for coinage from the old currencies, which are due to be replaced on Tuesday, January 1.
"All those francs, pesetas and drachmas, which people have lying around in drawers at home will be little use to anyone travelling abroad once they cease to be legal tender at the end of February," said the MEP.
"They can be of real value to charities like Age Concern."
According to the charity each household has an average £34.87 tucked away in foreign currency.
"Although people will still be able to change back notes from the old currencies until the end of February, banks here will not in general take foreign coins," said Ms Lynne.
"Donating leftover change could be a wonderful Christmas present."
Several British banks are organising charity collections, Age Concern donations can be made at branches of Halifax.
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