YOUNGSTERS are being invited to banish their half-term blues by putting their spare time to good use.

Bury-based children's charity Barnardo's is on the look-out for unwanted toys, games, clothes and any other saleable goods to help pile the shelves high for the organisation's Christmas stocks appeal.

This appeal hopes to encourage the public to enter into the festive spirit by donating any Christmas items to the shop at Market Street, Bury, ready for resale to this year's party-goers and bargain hunters.

Barnardo's area retail manager Sue Bowers said: "By donating your goods to us, not only are you helping make a difference to the 50,000 children we work with, but also you get the added benefit of a tidy bedroom or play space."