STUDENTS at York’s universities are helping to raise thousands of pounds for a national charity.

The students from the University of York and York St John University joined City of York Council to donate unwanted items at the end of term to British Heart Foundation shops around the city.

The charity estimates that every bag of donated clothes raises an average of £20, and the collective donations of CDs, DVDs and clothes from the groups could raise more than £20,000 – with all profits going to the fight against heart disease.

Julie Paffett, the BHF’s regional stock generator, said: “We’ve been delighted with the response from students and their overwhelming support. Each BHF shop needs to receive 400 bags of unwanted items a week and thanks to generous donations from the students and staff we have been able to help our shops in York.

“Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer, shattering the lives of too many children, parents and grandparents – you can join the fight for every heartbeat by having a clear-out and using the new facilities to donate your unwanted things.”

To find out more about donating or setting up a collection group, go to bhf.org.uk/shops