A LEADING national charity is asking residents in Dorset to ‘drop as they shop’ by donating pre-loved children’s toys to make space for the presents that Santa brings.

The British Heart Foundation are appealing to parents to donate unwanted toys, as research shows that nearly one in five parents in the South West say they have thrown away toys in perfect working order

The same figures show that over half of parents in the South West admit that their kids are tired of new toys after just one week.

Sustainability Manager at the British Heart Foundation David Roman said: “These figures show just how quickly kids can lose interest in toys.

“As a parent, I am all too familiar with the amount of clutter Christmas can generate but shopping second-hand and donating as you go could help make space for festive gifts and find new homes for old favourites.

The charity says that operating a ‘one in one out’ approach could help reduce the number of toys that will go to landfill in the New Year.

David added: “Now more than ever, it’s vital that we find ways to minimise waste and cut down on buying new items where possible. Second-hand toys are a great way to start and will help keep costs low when doing your Christmas shopping this year.”

The charity hopes to encourage people to donate quality toys in the hope of saving them from landfill and finding them new homes. Last year, those who shopped in or donated to BHF shops helped the charity save 74,000 tonnes of goods from landfill, including clothes, shoes, toys and books.

All money raised from sales of toys goes towards lifesaving research into conditions such as heart attack, stroke and vascular dementia.

The charity say buying and donating will help the planet and help make Christmas wishes come true for the 710,000 people living with heart and circulatory diseases in the South West.