A Swindon charity and a national outdoors store are collaborating for a third year with their Swap-a Coat campaign to help the homeless.

Clothing retailer TOG24 and Threshold Housing Link have teamed up for the scheme which will see customers bring their old coats into the outlet store in return for 15 per cent off a brand new one.

In the two previous years the scheme has run, more than 1,000 jackets were donated nationally to homeless charities.

The scheme, which was dreamt up by TOG24’s area supervisor Donna Emms, lasts until October 25.

Threshold’s chief development officer Michael Keenan said: “We will ensure your pre-loved coat is given to someone who is desperately in need of it this winter.

“As the weather becomes colder and wetter the demand on the critical services our charity provides to rough sleepers and the wider homeless community simply increases. 

“Warm clothing is essential for those who are homeless and sleeping rough. Swap a Coat not only helps those in desperate need within Swindon, but the initiative helps people around the country via the nominated homeless charities across the entire UK.

"We’re very pleased to see the campaign return for another year and hope it will continue well into the future."

TOG24 manager Steve Sharkey said: “It never fails to amaze me how the community can come together for such a great cause, donating jackets to the store.

“The partnership seems a natural fit, TOG24 provide warm, waterproof products at this time of the year and Threshold provide help and support to those that are rough sleeping and homeless who need it most. 

“The last 18 months or so has been hard on everyone and put more strain on charities like Threshold due to furlough ending and the pandemic, a lot more people have found themselves affected with job losses and becoming homeless and the great work that Michael and his team carry out is even more important than ever.”