Struggling Worcester residents are set to receive a Christmas present of gift cards for charity shops in the area.

As part of the Discretionary Welfare Assistance Scheme, Worcester City Council is providing these cards to residents experiencing financial hardship.

The initiative is a partnership with The Charity Shop Gift Card scheme, which provides smaller essential items such as clothing.

The gift cards can be used in the branches of St Richard's Hospice, Acorns, Sense, and Salvation Army.

More charity shops are expected to join in due course.

The council joint leader, Cllr Lynn Denham, recently visited St Richard's Hospice to understand more about the scheme.

She said: "I am grateful to city council officers who have negotiated this deal.

"The Charity Shop Gift Card is a great way for the council to help more people in need to get some of the essentials that they require."

Cllr Denham added: "These new gift cards would also make brilliant Christmas presents.

"They are a fantastic way for people to support some of the hard-working charities that contribute so much to our city, including local causes like St Richard's and Acorns, and spread some festive cheer."

Commercial director for the hospice, Dan Corns, said: "We are delighted to be part of this excellent scheme, which not only supports charity fundraising but promotes the many benefits of shopping second-hand.

"Charity shopping and pre-loved items are more popular than ever and we can’t wait to see the scheme flourish in the city."

Under the the council’s DWAS scheme, financial help is available to residents dealing with extreme financial crisis, either for purchasing essentials or for costs associated with food and energy.

People can be referred to the service by a support worker or professional agency.

Sarah Cox, co-founder and head of support sector partnerships at The Charity Shop Gift Card CIC, said: "Worcester City Council’s initiative to use the gift card as a sustainable way to disburse funds to people in need of essentials highlights their commitment to supporting the circular community and we couldn’t be more happy for their support."