A PILOT clothes bank scheme based at a Droitwich garden centre has been hailed a success after raising thousands of pounds for a Worcester charity, so far.

Between 15 and 20 bags full of clothes a week are collected from the bank, which has been in placeat Webbs of Wychbold since July, and handed over to Acorns Children's Hospice Trust.

The charity distributes the clothes to its Worcester, Hereford and Bromsgrove shops, adding £1,000 to Acorns' coffers each week.

"The clothes bank is a new venture for us and we're delighted with the way it is going," said Dennis Hyde, stock manager for Acorns charity shops.

"We are especially pleased with the quality of clothes being donated and hope that even more people will use the clothes bank in the lead up to Christmas as they treat themselves to new outfits and have a bit of a clear out in the new year."

Party outfits

Men's, women's and children's clothing is welcomed at the bank, along with shoes.

Seasonal wear, such as jumpers, coats and party outfits, are particularly sought after by the charity.

"We are very excited to be able to support this worthwhile recycling initiative and help Acorns in this way," said Marigold Webb, a director at garden centre Webbs of Wychbold.

Webbs has "adopted" the charity between 2002 and 2003 and staff have handed over money from donations, promotions and special staff events held at the centre.

In April, Acorns launched its Three Counties Appeal to build and equip a hospice on Worcester's Bath Road.

Cash handed over from the garden centre will be used to fund the landscaping of the gardens at the hospice.

The clothes bank is in the car park near the front entrance of Webbs.