IF you are having a clear out to make a fresh start for the new year, think twice before throwing away any unwanted items.

Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) is appealing to households to help them by donating any unwanted gifts after Christmas and help refill its shelves to make a difference to older people living within the area.

Despite the charity shop on Barley Market Street being busier than ever over the last year, there has been a shortfall in donations of good quality goods as people, during the tough economic climate, have held onto their unwanted items.

Andy Lyle, general manager of TASS, said: 'Any items would make a huge difference to what we can sell in our charity shop and help us to raise much needed cash for the continuing development of services we deliver in Tavistock and outlying villages and hamlets.

'So rather than clothes that are either too big or too small, CDs that will never get played or ornaments that will just collect dust, why not donate to TASS and help us to continue to help older people living in our area.'

If you are able to help, please take items to the Anchorage Centre, or call 01822 616958.