GIVE us your old mobile and help us to reinstate carers' lifeline.

That's the appeal from BBC Radio Solent which this month launches a campaign to raise money for its Ring Around Carers network.

"In 2003 we were funded to set up a system of weekly telephone get-togethers for carers across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight," explained breakfast show presenter Julian Clegg.

"It was a huge success and brought together people who were sometimes unable to get out at all because of their commitments as carers, allowing them to share their worries and have some fun.

"Many friendships were forged and a real support network grew out of it.

"When the official campaign was rolled up last August we decided that we'd try to do something independently to raise money to keep it going - and this is what we've come up with.

"With your old mobile phones we can raise cash to fund another season of hosted telephone conferences for carers in our patch."

BBC Radio Solent's Community Outreach organiser Marie Shotbolt has already collected a sack full of mobiles, from tiny 'clamshells' to elderly 'housebricks'.

"The company that are recycling the phones for us are recycle4charity," explains Marie.

"They'll take old phones from us, whatever their condition, and recycle them either to developing countries, or for parts.

"We'll also be working with Community Network, the charity that provided the phone conferencing facilities for the original Ring Around Carers.

"Once we've raised enough money they'll be organising and running the groups again for us."

Sending your mobile is easy. Just call 08000 560 780 and you will be sent a recycling envelope. Or drop it off at BBC Broadcasting House reception in Havelock Road, Southampton.

"We've had quite a few mobiles already since we started talking about it on air," added Julian. "But we need lots and lots - so if you've just had a new one for Christmas, plese don't let your old one sit in a drawer. Give us a phone!"