A HAMPSHIRE shopping centre has extended its support for nearby charities.

Whiteley shopping centre has announced that its popular giant giving box, originally installed for Christmas, will be a permanent feature.

The centre says this has been done in a bid to help raise more funds for its charity partners, The Abbeyfield Fareham Society, Friends of PICU and Solent Acts of Kindness.

Located in Town Square, the box has helped to raise over £1,380 for the charities so far.

Mia Gordon, centre director at Whiteley, said: “Our community really got behind the giving box at Christmas, and we’re thrilled to announce that shoppers are able to continue supporting our charity partners quickly and safely when they come to visit.

“Donations are vital in ensuring the teams at all three of our charity partners can continue to provide their vital services in the local community. We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our visitors for their donations.”

Visitors to the centre use contactless payment to donate £1, £3 and £5 to the charity using the box.