WINCHESTER businesses have helped raise £3,000 for charity.

Businesses, shoppers and visitors donated the money over the past year to the Spare Change for Real Change scheme, coordinated by Winchester Business Improvement District (BID).

It was set up to help vulnerable people in the city and reduce street begging and the money has been divided between Winchester Churches Nightshelter, Trinity Winchester and the Salvation Army.

Emma Shotter, crime reduction manager at Winchester BID, said: “No matter how small the donation, it all adds up. The donations could provide a much needed hot cooked meal or basic essentials like toiletries, something that we all take for granted. On behalf of the three charities I would like to thank everyone for their continued support.”

The scheme also received more than £200 during Poverty & Homelessness Action week earlier this year, along with blankets and electrical goods.

Brightly coloured donation boxes are spread around the city centre. For details contact Ms Shotter via emma.shotter@winchesterbid.co.uk.