THE Bromsgrove branch of a national charity is encouraging people to support a national fund-raising initiative.

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust enables older people to enjoy a healthier, active and more independent lifestyle in its housing developments and retirement villages.

The charity also runs various schemes to further improve the lives of the elderly.

The enriched opportunities programme supports residents with dementia, while the well-being programme ensures assessments are made of general health so that residents can make more informed decisions, based on the information.

The charity's work is dependant on funding from statutory agencies, charity appeals, and the income generated from its charity shops - including Bromsgrove's Mill Lane shop.

A new fund-raising drive has now been launched as the charity has joined forces with Giveacar, a non-profit social enterprise that collects unwanted and unused cars.

Regardless of the cars condition, vehicles are collected free of charge by Giveacar and are then sold legally through an online auction, or disposed of at an authorised treatment facility.

Any profit made is donated to the charity so even older cars sent to be scrapped could still make the charity up to £250.

Alison Whittingham, from Extracare, said: "This is a great way to get rid of that old problem car at no cost to you, whilst at the same time helping us to provide better lives for older people.

"It's a win win situation."

For more details or to donate a car visit giveacar.co.uk, or call 020 7736 4242 quoting the ExtraCare Charitable Trust as the chosen charity.

For more on the charity visit extracare.org.uk.