SCHOOLS, clubs and businesses across Southampton are being invited to clear out their wardrobes in aid of charity.

DHL Southampton and the British Red Cross are asking people to donate old clothes that can be sold to raise funds for the Blue Peter Welcome Home Appeal.

The year-long appeal supports the vital work the Red Cross carries out in Angola, putting families and children back in touch following years of conflict. Jimmy Pitts, service centre manager at DHL Southampton, said: "This is a fantastic project and we're happy to be able to lend our logistical expertise to such a worthwhile cause. We're all busy sorting through our own wardrobes for clothes to donate to the appeal." Anne Shinkwin, senior corporate partnerships executive at the British Red Cross, said: "We are delighted that DHL is supporting us, free of charge, with the collection and transportation of donated clothes during the Blue Peter Welcome Home Appeal. DHL's expertise in this area will be key to the efficient running of collections throughout the appeal and will therefore ensure that we raise as much money as we can for our work in Angola."

Call the British Red Cross on 0870 833 5000 to arrange for larger donations of ten bags or more to be picked upby DHL. For smaller collections, just take your clothes along to your nearest British Red Cross shop.