Patients with life-limiting conditions could benefit from donations of unwanted goods from people who receive bumper gifts in their Christmas stocking.

South Bucks Hospice, based at Butterfly House, High Wycombe, is appealing to the public to donate items such as clothing, books and bric-a-brac which will then be sold in the charity and re-use shops to raise funds for patient care.

Ben O'Keefe, community fundraiser at the hospice, explained: "It could be that you received a gift you didn't want or didn't really need. Or it might be that you are clearing out some of your children's old toys in readiness for some new ones from Santa.

"So rather than leave the new presents unopened in a corner, or the old toys in a bin, why not give it to us so we can resell it?"

He added: “As well as our shops in Hazlemere and Bourne End, we also have two re-use shops based at the Household Recycling Centres at High Heavens in High Wycombe and Aston Clinton.

"Items such as electricals, bulkier sports goods and furniture for example which cannot be sold through the shops are welcomed here and are sold to support the hospice.

"These shops are both based at the household recycling centres to make it easier for residents to deliver re-usable items to the shops whilst they are dropping off unusable items for recycling and disposal - and they are hugely popular with customers looking for a bargain.”

Steve Longdon from FCC Environment, which runs Bucks County Council's household recycling centres throughout the county, said: "We operate around 100 such sites up and down the country and Buckinghamshire was one of the first counties to introduce site re-use shops, which support a good cause and at the same time highlight the environmental importance of re-use.

"The shops really make it easy for residents to drop items off for re-sale and our staff are trained to spot great items too so everyone wins."

To donate an item, drop into the hospice shops at either Hazlemere, Bourne End, High Heavens or Aston Clinton or phone 01494 552750 for more information.

The hospice helps people with progressive, life-threatening or terminal illnesses and provides a range of support services to assist families and patients.