Since January 1 of this year, 12 European countries share a brand new currency the euro.

This has given much-needed charities a unique fundraising opportunity and you can help.

It is estimated that over £500 million of spare change from the 12 euro-zone countries is hidden away in drawers and behind sofa cushions.

And at the end of June, British people going on their summer holidays, will not be able to use most of the money saved from previous years' vacations.

Many charities including Unicef, Save the Children and Age Concern are collecting the soon to be obsolete notes and coins.

What better way of getting rid of your spare schillings, French, Belgium and Luxembourg francs, deutschmarks, drachmas, Finnish markkas, punts, lire, guilders, escudos and pesetas, before it's too late.

So drop into your local charity shop with your spare change as a late New Year's resolution and help other people who are in need.

Gary Malcolm

Brougham Road

Acton