TAVISTOCK'S Oxfam Shop is calling on local residents to take part in the charity's 'Big Bling and Buy Sale' by donating any of their unwanted accessories.

The call has been made after a new survey revealed that 26% of people in relationships had received an accessory from their partner that they did not like — with 74% pretending to like it for fear of upsetting their partner.

Of the 2,000 adults in a relationship who were surveyed by Oxfam, 69% still had an unwanted item stashed away in a cupboard.

Oxfam is urging these couples to confess their true feelings and take part in the charity's accessories drive, which runs until April 19 and aims to rack up an extra £1-million for vital Oxfam projects.

Michelle Tait, manager of the Oxfam shop in Tavistock, said that accessories were big sellers but that fresh donations were always needed.

'The brilliant thing about accessories from Oxfam is that they have the power to transform outfits but also to transform lives as well, so we call on both men and women in Tavistock to bring us their unwanted or preloved accessories.

'We need everything from bangles to belts, hats to heels.'

The Big Bling and Buy Sale has attracted celebrity support, with Laurence Fox, Hilary Alexander, Nina Wadia and George Lamb modelling accessories for the campaign.

Fashion expert Hilary Alexander said: 'All of us have at least one accessory we have got tired of, or doesn't fit or suit us any more. You don't need it but donated to Oxfam it can do a lot of good.'