UNWANTED Christmas presents could still be used to help bring joy to hundreds of hospice patients.

For fundraisers at East Lancashire Hospice are appealing for any unwanted presents to be donated to their funds.

Head of fundraising, Harry Grayson, said: "Literally everyone receives presents at Christmas from both friends and family that are not ideally suited to them. Invariably, these presents are just stored away and never used eventually sent to charity shops, jumble sales and bring-and-buy sales.

"Regardless of what the unwanted gifts are, whether large or small, the hospice can turn these into cash by using them as prizes or offered for sale in the recently opened hospice shop on King William Street, in Blackburn."

The appeal follows a major drive launched by East Lancashire's three hospices earlier this year to raise £100,000 for patient care.

It is now one of the most modern of its kind and offers a service to the people of Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley

However, along with these services there is a cost which the charity has to meet - and is responsible for raising in excess of £400,000 each year .

Any one wishing to donate can do so by ringing the fundraising office on 01254 660900.