A HOSPICE is appealing for old coins - especially those from countries that are now using the euro.

Although they are no longer legal tender abroad, they still have value for St Leonard's Hospice in York, which can sell them to raise the £1.75m it needs each year.

Volunteer Brian Rey has been helping St Leonard's by dealing in old coins, stamps, postcards and medals for the past 16 years. Since he began in 1987, he has raised more than £20,000.

"When the switch to the euro happened we had a wonderful response to our request for the outdated coins," he said.

Contributions can be taken to any of the St Leonard's Hospice shops or to the hospice in Tadcaster Road.