PEOPLE were being told to “bag it and beat it” yesterday, but all in the name of charity.

The Parade Shopping Centre was the venue as staff from the British Heart Foundation shop launched the Bag It. Beat It campaign, which urges people in Swindon to donate bags full of unwanted items.

And yesterday BHF volunteers were out and about at the centre giving out donation bags and encouraging shoppers to fill them with unwanted clothes, shoes, books, handbags, DVDs, CDs, bric-a-brac and children’s toys.

The Parade Centre manager Brian Morris said every bag donated would help fund life-saving heart research.

He said: “The Bag It. Beat It event is such a great idea and proves the perfect opportunity to sort out the cupboards and give away items that you no longer want or need.

“Please ask friends, family and colleagues to get involved too.

“Head to The Parade where you can collect a Bag It. Beat It bag, fill it and return it to the centre, or your local BHF shop.”

For more information, to find your local BHF shop or to arrange a free collection, visit bagit.bhf.org.uk.