A CHARITY is calling for Droitwich people to donate pairs of socks and boxes of chocolates for homeless people this Christmas.

Founded by Bromsgrove fundraiser Ian Northcott, the charity Socks and Chocs is urging people to send pairs of socks instead of Christmas cards this year.

Mr Northcott, 51, who is a former soldier and police officer, said: "This year our main focus is trying to get workplaces to stop sending cards to each other and send a pair of socks instead and write their greeting on the cardboard bit.

"Then in January, instead of throwing them away like they would a card, give the socks to sand we will give them to homeless people.

"Christmas is a time when often simple things are overlooked and the needs of others are often forgotten. As the weather gets colder over the Christmas period we do not think of those less fortunate than ourselves."

This year, Socks and Chocs is also supplying sleeping bags to many homeless charities, including Maggs Day Centre's winter night shelter in Worcester.

To donate visit socksandchocs.co.uk or text the word SOCK08 £2 to 70070, changing the amount of money you would like to give.