A CHARITY is hoping that supporters will carry the ‘out with the old, in with the new’ spirit into January to help a £5million fundraising campaign.

Ark Cancer Centre Charity is urging people to make a resolution to recycle unwanted clothes and shoes in one of the charity's many branded recycling banks that are dotted in and around Hampshire.

It's been 16 months since Ark became a charity partner with Bag It Up Ltd (BIU) – one of the UK’s leading clothing and textile recycling companies.

Ark benefits from a percentage of the proceeds when residents, businesses and community groups recycle their unwanted clothing, shoes and household linens at Ark-branded BIU recycling locations in Hampshire – and so far nearly £40,000 has been raised for the charity.

Mark Jones, director of fundraising and communications at Ark Cancer Centre Charity, said: "We are grateful to everyone who has recycled items in the charity's branded banks, and also to the many organisations which are hosting banks bearing our branding – it is a great show of support on both counts.

"The partnership with BIU is delivering a real boost to the ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the charity, and has resulted in a welcome and regular income stream which will contribute towards the creation of the much-needed unique local cancer treatment centre.

"January is the month to make new resolutions and we hope many people will take this opportunity to have a winter clean-out and recycle unwanted clothes and shoes in the banks that carry Ark Cancer Centre Charity’s branding.”

One of the most popular Ark recycling banks is located at Morrisons in Basingstoke – and Wendy Yarney, charity partnerships manger at BIU, recently presented Ali Perris, the community champion at the store, with a special Milestone Scheme certificate to mark the number of bags that have been recycled there.

To find nearest Ark-branded BIU recycling bank, go to https://biugroup.co.uk/banklocator.

Ark Cancer Centre Charity is raising £5m towards a much-needed new cancer treatment centre to treat patients in north Hampshire.