IN his amusing manner, the late poet laureate John Betjeman summed up the feeling many people have at Christmas. He described unwanted presents in his poem Christmas: Bath salts and inexpensive scent And hideous tie so kindly meant, For those with such

IN his amusing manner, the late poet laureate John Betjeman summed up the feeling many people have at Christmas.

He described unwanted presents in his poem Christmas:

"Bath salts and inexpensive scent

And hideous tie so kindly meant,"

For those with such gifts still cluttering the house, help is at hand.

Hitchin estate agent Morag Norgan is hoping to give these less-than-welcome presents the chance to be appreciated by someone else.

She and her friends are currently amassing a collection of "quality bric-a-brac" that they are planning to sell in aid of the St Mary's Church, Hitchin, preservation appeal. Morag, who is chairman of the appeal committee, said: "We are sure there are lots of unwanted gifts that could be put to good use by someone else.

"So we are appealing for donations and arranging to have a large stall in the Market Square on Saturday, March 25. Of course it doesn't have to be a rejected Christmas gift to qualify. Any quality item will be most welcome."

Donors can deliver their appeal gifts to Norgans Estate Agents office at 8 Brand Street, Hitchin, between 9.30am.and 5.30pm from Monday to Friday; and between 9.30am and 3.30pm Saturdays.