I am writing to thank you and your readers for the support you’ve shown so far for the South West British Heart Foundation shops’ Spring Clear Out campaign.

To mark the official start of spring, BHF shops recreated Van Gogh’s iconic tulips image from donated stock to encourage locals to think about having a clear out.

Using a quarter of a tonne of donated items, the creation measured 20m x 20m and included everything from clothes, shoes and books to toasters, rugs and even some sofas.

South Western BHF shops are encouraging people to declutter their home this spring and donate all their unwanted items using its free collection service.

Whether you’ve got a few bags of clothes or a full three-piece suite, BHF shops in the south west will pick up everything for free.

From defibrillators to heart support groups, your donated items will help raise vital funds to fight heart disease in the south west. Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home so why not take advantage and book a free collection?

For larger furniture and electrical items, book online at: bhf.org.uk/free or call 0800 915 3000 to arrange a collection for any items, from unwanted books, shoes and CDs to sofas and TVs. Every penny of profit raised from your unwanted items will help the BHF continue its fight for every heartbeat and fund life-saving research.

Sarah Boardman, Area manager for BHF shops