GENEROUS residents in Redditch have helped raise £7,000 for homeless charity Shelter.

Charity collection bags were placed in Redditch B&Q at the start of the year and the response, says Andy Willetts from the store, has been amazing.

Andy said: "We didn't foresee the response we had.

"In just four months, we collected an amazing 1,000 bags of good quality items, that could be sold in the Shelter store.

"Emma the regional manager could not believe the quality of the items our customers were bringing in.

"The items in each bag were selling on average for £7. This means that we have managed to raise to date, £7,000."

He added: "We cannot thank the people of Redditch enough for their support.

"Because of the success of the collections, we are now being able to send our items to stores all around the region, helping more and more homeless people.

"We are continuing with our in-store collections, so if you have any items, please come into store, pick up some charity bags, then when filled, bring them back in to us."

B&Q is in partnership with Shelter, the leading charity tackling poor housing and homelessness, to improve the lives of thousands of people through practical DIY and home improvement help, and funding of frontline services.