A SHOP raised more than £2,700 for the tsunami appeal by asking people to donate broken and unwanted jewellery.

Bramwell's Jewellers in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, Durham, put a notice in the window and people responded well, giving many items that the shop was able to sell.

Owner Peter Bramwell said: "It was an idea we used a few years ago to raise money for the famine in Somalia.

"It was successful then, and when I really wanted to do something to help out with the awful events of Boxing Day, I thought we would try it again.

"Lots of people have items of jewellery they do not wear anymore and would not miss, just lying in the drawer, so they could make a valuable donation without raiding the piggy bank.

"The shop has received all sorts of weird and wonderful bounty from old coins and costume jewellery to watches and diamond rings and the money has been raised by selling to our customers or specialist dealers.

"I'm really happy that the idea took off and that I have been able to donate the money."

Richard Toynbee, Prince Bishops Shopping Centre manager, said: "This is one of the most original ideas I've heard of for raising cash for charity and we are all delighted that it's been such a success.

"We ourselves donated over £800 towards the appeal from our Hook a Duck event at Easter and we would like to thank all of our customers and tenants who have helped to raise money in different ways."