People are being urged to give their unwanted Christmas presents to charity to help pay for life-saving research into heart disease.

The British Heart Foundation, in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, is appealing for everything from Christmas jumpers and socks to handbags and candles.

BHF deputy retail director, Diane Locke, said: “It’s incredible that there’s £2.7 billion worth of unwanted Christmas gifts in the UK this year. Every year people receive presents that are just not to their taste, are the wrong size, or even two of the same gift.

“These unwanted presents can make an extraordinary difference to BHF shops. We’re encouraging people from London to donate their unwanted gifts and help raise vital funds in the fight against heart disease.”