EMPTY your cupboards — to help fill the coffers of Bury Hospice.

That’s the call from a recycling company which is generating a major fundraising drive for the £2.5 million hospice appeal by converting unwanted DVDs, compact discs and computer games into cash.

Now households, businesses, schools and groups are being urged by Used4Cash Ltd to get on board by signing up for fundraiser packs. Unwanted goods can be deposited in sacks provided by the firm and, within seven days of collection, Used4Cash will issue a cheque to the hospice on the donor’s behalf.

The Bury company, based at Victoria house in Wood Street, started life seven years ago as a distributor of new DVDs, CDs and computer games online. But last year, the directors looked at the recycling aspect of the business.

Managing director Adrian Gowing explained: “We had a vision of helping community projects generate much-needed funds by recycling unused household items into cash. The first pilot was launched and, after just eight weeks, Used4Cash generated £11,000 for local community projects. We are now involved with, and generate much-needed cash for, charities, football clubs, netball teams and fundraising initiatives as well as all aspects of personal sponsorship.”

The discarded items are subsequently reconditioned and resold via the internet.

Mr Gowing is an enthusiastic supporter of the hospice, describing it as “a very worthwhile cause”. Claire Warner, fundraising manager for the hospice, is delighted by the recycling scheme.

She said: “We hope the people of Bury will dig deep in their cupboards and lofts and use their unused, unwanted CDs, DVDs and games to help raise crucial funds for Bury Hospice.”

l For more information about how to get involved, telephone 0161 761 5500 or email Buryhospiceappeal@used4cash .co.uk