'Please send us your charity shop items by post during lockdown' say British Heart Foundation shops in Milton Keynes

They are particularly keen for people to post any unwanted Christmas gifts, including clothes and books.

The charity is now closed, according to government regulations, But one person's unwanted festive gift could still be another person’s treasure at a later date, they say.

British Heart Foundation retail director Allison Swaine Hughes said: “If you’re feeling charitable and want to declutter post-Christmas, you can regift any unwanted presents to the BHF and help support our vital work. By donating to us you will also help prevent quality items from going to waste and free up space around the house.

"This new year we’re welcoming everything from good quality clothes, shoes, handbags and jewellery to DVDs, CDs, books and children’s toys and you can simply donate items using our freepost donation service."

Alison added: “We’re urgently appealing for your support after an incredibly difficult year for our shops. Without your generous donations, we can’t fund life saving breakthroughs for the 7.4 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases.”

You can post smaller items such as branded clothing, jewellery, vinyl records and cameras by downloading a freepost label from the BHF website and heading to your nearest Collect+ drop-off point with your package, as part of your essential shopping trip.

The Covid-19 crisis has had a devastating impact on the BHF’s income, cutting its research funding in half and putting future life saving discoveries at risk..

To post your items head to www.bhf.org.uk/postyourdonations .