People in Wiltshire have been asked to donate unwanted household goods to help fund potentially lifesaving medical equipment.

Members of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG) Trowbridge fundraising branch need items to sell in their pop-up shop in Castle Place Shopping Centre during the festive season.

The charity is also looking for volunteers to help run the shop and popular wishing tree attraction, which raise thousands of pounds each year for the cancer unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.

Residents are being asked to donate unwanted items including china and glassware, CDs, records, books, toys, jewellery, jigsaws, electrical items and small pieces of furniture, but not clothing or footwear.

Social distancing and other safety measures will be in place at the charity’s Trowbridge shop, which will be open from November 28 until December 24.

Sue Oliver, chair of the BCUSG’s Trowbridge branch, said: “Last year we raised a record £11,200 in the run-up to Christmas and it’s going to be a challenge to top that this year - but it won’t stop us trying.

“With the support of local people and businesses, we can continue to fund vital medical equipment that helps doctors speed up the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients at the RUH.

“If you’ve been having a home clear-out during lockdown then please consider donating your unwanted items for us to sell.

"We’re also looking for individual donations and corporate partners to ensure we can continue our important work on behalf of cancer patients locally.”

The charity is also asking people to dream up their own fundraising ideas based around the number 3,000 as part of its #BCUSG3000Challenge.

Those taking part include brother and sister Lily and Harry Belgrove, aged 11 and eight, who attend Combe Down Primary School, and nine-year-old Amelie Taylor-Fall who goes to Kington St Michael C of E Primary School. The energetic trio have raised nearly £2,000 for the charity so far by trampolining, scoring goals, cycling and dancing.

If you would like to donate items or help out in the BCUSG’s shop this Christmas, please contact Sue at trowbridgefundraising@bcusg.org

For more information on how to take part in the #BCUSG3000Challenge go to https://www.bcusg.org