A CHRISTMAS present swap hosted by two Petersfield charities reduced waste and provided a home for nice but unneeded gifts where they will be more appreciated, say organisers.

Put on by Petersfield Climate Action Network (PeCAN) and held in Wonton House on the High Street, the event saw scores of unwanted presents find a new home.

PeCAN trustee Louise Bevan said: “This was a project by the community for the community and was aimed at reducing waste and increasing happiness.

“Every year people get unneeded Christmas presents, and they often sit unused in the back of cupboards for years and then get thrown away.

“So we thought it would be a good idea to try to find a home for them.

“And it’s nice for the people who got them knowing they will be enjoyed elsewhere rather than being thrown away, or forgotten in cupboard.

“Although the present swap was arranged at short notice, it was very well supported with lots of unneeded Christmas presents brought in.

“People dropped off their presents the week before the swap meet and were given a ticket enabling them to collect a new present on the day. That was well attended.

“Everything left over went to either Home-Start Butser to be given to young families, or to Age Concern for pensioners.”