A SERVICE giving people an ‘elfing’ hand with their gift wrapping is gearing up for the big day by extending opening hours.

Volunteers from the Prospect Hospice are offering the service to shoppers at the Brunel shopping centre, while raising money for the facility.

And the volunteers have extended their hours in the final countdown to Christmas, with a stand at the centre opening between 9.30am and 4.30pm, until Christmas Eve.

Gifty Tawiah, community fundraiser at Prospect Hospice, has been involved in organising the gift wrap.

She said: “The gift wrapping sessions have gone really well so far and raised lots of money for Prospect Hospice.

“We’re looking forward to returning each weekend until Christmas, as well as the Christmas week, to continue helping Prospect Hospice and shoppers.”

Jane Stewart, marketing manager at The Brunel, said: “Wrapping Christmas presents is one of those love-hate Christmas jobs. “Our Christmas Elves have been ‘helfing’ shoppers find their perfect presents and so offering the Prospect Hospice gift wrapping service means that Christmas can be completely taken care of with one visit to The Brunel. “Many shoppers have already taken advantage of the service and so we’re expecting it to continue to be a popular stop-off right up until Christmas Eve.

“Prospect Hospice is a charity very close to many of our hearts and so we’re pleased to be able to support the vital service and care that they provide, particularly over the festive season.”

The Brunel is also now open for late night shopping every week day and Saturday, with the centre closing at 8pm - 4.30pm on Sunday.

l Full details of the charity gift wrapping service, as well as other Christmas activities and offers, can be found at www.thebrunel.co.uk or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebrunelswi