People are being urged to recycle unwanted Christmas gifts to help vulnerable children.

Barnardo’s is appealing for unwanted presents to be donated to their chain of shops across Yorkshire so they can be sold to raise funds.

The money will be used to help disadvantaged children and young people, including those who are living in poverty, who are disabled or who have been sexually exploited.

The charity, which has a shop in Guiseley, says an estimated 30 per cent of gifts given at Christmas are unwanted – but it guarantees being able to sell them to someone.

Lindsey Harris, business manager for Barnardo’s Yorkshire, said: “We’ve all received a gift at Christmas that’s not suitable or we quite simply don’t want.

“By donating unwanted presents to our shops you will not only be ‘recycling’ but also helping Yorkshire’s most disadvantaged children.  “Every year we work with over 13,000 children, young people and their families throughout Yorkshire. Every penny raised plays a vital part in ensuring we continue to support them.”