I AM writing to ask your readers to donate unwanted Christmas gifts to their nearest Age UK shop this January. The charity urgently needs stock to help fund its vital work to improve the lives of older people across the country.

For many of us, that ill-fitting jumper or 'must have' gadget that you just don't need has already been shoved to the back of the cupboard. But there's a better way to get rid of those unwanted presents and do some good while you're at it: donate them to your nearest Age UK shop. Just think, one person's unwanted present can be another's prized find - with minimal effort you can keep giving even though Christmas is over.

Age UK relies on quality donations such as clothing, accessories, jewellery and gadgets to stock its shops, which are helping to raise funds to keep older people warm and well in winter as part of the charity's Spread the Warmth campaign. In addition, Age UK is urging people to donate their old PCs and laptops (although not monitors) to their local Age UK shop. They will be refurbished and sold on with the profits Age UK makes going towards helping people in later life to start accessing the benefits the Internet has to offer.

If every household in cities the size of Manchester, Sheffield or Bristol donated just one item worth £5 an extra £1 million would be generated to improve the lives of older people. So it would be great if you could urge your readers to do their bit for Age UK this winter and help Spread the Warmth.

People can find their nearest Age UK shop by visiting www.ageuk.org.uk/local or calling Age UK on 0800 169 87 87.

HUGH FORDE Managing Director Retail, Trading and Training Age UK