Staff at Barnardo’s Cymru shops are asking people to have a pre-Christmas sort-out out and donate their unwanted winter woollies to their local store.

Stocks of winter clothes such as jumpers and coats are beginning to fly off the rails at the children’s charity shops across Wales and more are needed to keep up with demand.

Barnardo’s Cymru desperately needs more adults’ and children’s winter clothing as well as unused and pre-loved quality toys.

Those who donate and the shoppers who pop in to bag a bargain at their local store will also be doing their bit to help vulnerable children and young people. The money raised in the shops is ploughed back into local Barnardo’s projects.

The charity runs 88 services across Wales ranging from young carers’ services which support young people who care for a sick or disabled relative to projects for children who have been bereaved or abused.

Barnardo's Cymru works individually with more than 8,000 disadvantaged children, young people and families across Wales and another 16,000 in the community.

Those they help may be leaving care, suffering the trauma of sexual exploitation, or be facing homelessness. They may have disabilities or be vulnerable young parents in need of supported lodging.

David Howells, Barnardo’s area business manager, said: “We really need people to look in their wardrobes and dig out any good quality coats, jumpers, and winter warmers that they haven’t worn for a while and bring them down to their local Barnardo’s shop.

“We’d also welcome any accessories, toys, books and bric-a-brac. Not only does the money raised from the sale of these items fund our work with disadvantaged children in the area, but our shops also give local families the opportunity to buy vital warm clothes and presents for birthdays and Christmas at an affordable price.”