CHESTER residents who may have unwanted Christmas gifts lying around are being asked to donate them to a city bingo hall.

The team at Mecca Chester has launched an amnesty for customers to donate any extra presents to be donated to others.

Continuing its longstanding partnership with Carers Trust, any presents donated by customers to the club will be passed on to the charity. Carers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for the seven million unpaid carers in the UK.

Recent research showed that 71 per cent of Brits were expected to receive at least one unwanted gift this year, with a total value of almost £17 million. Instead of these gifts going to waste, Mecca Chester is instead encouraging customers to give them to a good cause and carry on that festive feeling of goodwill and kindness.

The Chester club is looking to help make a difference to local carers and anyone looking to drop off a gift can do so by popping into the club on Brookdale Place.

Lenny Lubega, manager at Mecca Chester, said: “Christmas is all about sharing and feeling generous, but we know that some of us do receive gifts that aren’t suitable or that we already have. That’s why we are launching this amnesty campaign to save presents languishing in the back of the cupboard and instead be donated to a worthy cause.

“There are no words to describe the importance of what carers do in our community, and it’s an honour to continue supporting Carers Trust and help make life that little bit easier for the many unpaid carers across Chester.”

Admission to Mecca Club is for those aged 18 years or over and a customer of Mecca Bingo. Joining is free of charge and people can sign up at www.meccabingo.com or at the club.