Barnardo’s, which helps vulnerable children, is urging people to donate their unwanted Christmas gifts to help them raise vital funds for their cause.

Almost one in two people throw away unsuitable gifts that could help vulnerable children and young people. While one in 10 sold them online, a third gave them to a charity shop, according to a new survey by the charity.

The online research also found that for the second year running, the selfie stick is considered one of the least sought after Christmas presents by nearly half of us, closely followed by musical socks and bathroom scales.

Barnardo’s is appealing to people to donate unsuitable gifts to their stores in the Black Country, with money raised from their sale helping to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children, young people and families in the UK. Barnardo’s Chief Executive, Javed Khan, said:

"We all receive the occasional present that may not be our cup of tea. Rather than throw them away, or stick them in a cupboard you can support some of the UK’s disadvantaged children.

"Please take any unsuitable gifts to our stores and enjoy a warm feeling knowing your kind act is helping a child that needs your help".

As an extra bonus, people who donate their unsuitable Christmas gifts to Barnardo’s will be rewarded with a £10 ‘Re-Gift’ voucher to spend in store and online at High Street Fashion Retailer, Evans as a thank you for their generosity.

Barnardo’s has over 720 retail stores in the UK, including branches in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge, plus stock collection centres in Oldbury and Quinton. Stores sell donated items including clothing, accessories, quality homeware, books CDs and DVDs.