HOSPICE Care for Burnley and Pendle is calling on the public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts.

The hospice is on the lookout for good quality items to use as raffle and tombola prizes to help raise money for people suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Kaye Bartle, fund-raising manager at the hospice, said: "Despite the amount of love and thought put into choosing gifts, sometimes Santa's sack contains surprises that we are less than delighted with.

"I would urge people not to bin them. I'm sure the person who bought the gift would be pleased to hear the items have been put to a worthwhile use." Kaye can be contacted Bartle on 01282 440100.