Kind-hearted residents have donated nearly 10,000 bags of items worth more than £180,000 to British Heart Foundation (BHF) shops.

Since Elmbridge Council and BHF joined forces in January 2012, a total of 50 tonnes of clothing, shoes, books and toys have been collected by the council.

Jenny Pryke, BHF area manager, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from people in Elmbridge and it is down to their generosity that we’re able to continue this fantastic scheme.

“We hope that anyone having a clear out joins the amazing efforts of the community and leaves their BHF bags out for the council to collect in June.”

Councillor Glenn Dearlove, Elmbridge portfolio holder for the environment, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to continue our work with British Heart Foundation shops and it’s great that so many people in Elmbridge have contributed already.

“I’d urge everyone to have a clear out ready for our next collection and help protect our local environment whilst supporting the BHF’s fight for every heartbeat at the same time.”

Each BHF shop needs 400 bags of donated items a week to continue its lifesaving work.

Currently the Elmbridge scheme has generated 9,078 bags from across the borough.

For more information, visit elmbridge.gov.uk/clothes.