DIRECT charity donations could be given an extra boost thanks to a new Sharing the Caring office in Bromsgrove.

MP Julie Kirkbride launched the new shop, opened to promote payroll-giving in Worcestershire.

Sharing the Caring, bought by Help the Aged in 1995, is the first professional fund-raising organisation to be owned by charity.

Jeannette Laight, spokesman for the fund-raising body, said more than 62,000 workplace donors had signed up since its launch.

The Government aims to double the amount currently given to an annual £60m.

"Almost £5m from their pay packets has gone towards providing a regular income for some 500 charities in Worcestershire and across Britain," she said.

"Chancellor Gordon Brown's Budget in April made payroll giving the most efficient means of donation to charity.

"I'm delighted that an office has opened locally and I look forward to working with local employers to give their employees a chance to make a difference to their favourite chosen charities."

Measures introduced by the Government include a 10 per cent supplement on all donations made through the scheme - meaning for every £3.90 pledged, the charity would receive a total of £5.50.