GENEROUS shoppers in Basingstoke have donated hundreds of presents to needy children this Christmas.

A Giving Tree was put up at the Wote Street Tower in Basingstoke town centre last Monday.

People are invited to drop off a present they have bought, with the gift going to a different childrens' charity each week.

Last week's presents, amounting to at least 600, went to Naomi House - a children's hospice in Sutton Scotney.

Juliette Hyde, fundraising co-ordinator for Naomi House, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to shower very special children coming to Naomi House with gifts for Christmas."

Jane Stewart, marketing and promotions manager for the Festival Place development, added: "People who have visited the Giving Tree were enormously generous last week. I would like to thank them all on behalf of the charities involved. This really is what Christmas is about."

Gifts given this week will go to cancer charity CLIC and the week after to Barnardos.

If you wish to donate a gift, all you need to do is visit the tree and remove a gift tag, purchase a present and write on the tag if it is for a boy or a girl and the age group the gift is suitable for. Finally, return the gift with the tag attached to the Giving Tree.

A special "Thank You" Festival Place Christmas teddy bear will be given in return for the donation.

The Giving Tree is open for donations from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.