A BINGO hall has launched a Christmas present amnesty bin in aid of a charity.

The team at Mecca bingo, in Junction Road, Andover, has launched the initiative to help the Carers Trust.

As Christmas gifts go unused or unwanted this year, the bingo team has started the collection of items to be given over to the cause.

Recent research showed that 71 per cent of Brits were expected to receive at least one unwanted gift this year, with a total value of almost £17m.

Instead of these gifts going to waste, Mecca Andover is instead encouraging customers to give them to a good cause and carry on that festive feeling of goodwill and kindness

Simon Sparrow, manager at Mecca Andover said: “There are no words to describe the importance of what carers do in our community, and it’s an honour to continue supporting Carers Trust and help make life that little bit easier for the many unpaid carers across Andover.”

Presents can be dropped off at the Junction Road site.