TEN Hampshire libraries have opened their doors to host charity Christmas card shops, helping to raise thousands of pounds.

They are part of the national network of more than 300 temporary Christmas shops across the UK run by volunteers from Cards for Good Causes.

The outlets can be found in the libraries in Alresford, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Alton, Basingstoke, Fareham, Farnborough, Fleet, Tadley and Yateley.

In Hampshire, there are 15 Cards for Good Causes shops, of which ten are located in libraries. They stock a range of Christmas cards from 28 charities, including Alzheimer’s Society; Cancer Research; Age UK; RNLI; Save the Children and Stroke Association.

Working in partnership with Hampshire Libraries helps keep costs to a minimum, with 70p in every pound going back to the charity that made the card. In the past ten years, charities have received more than £40 million from Cards for Good Causes.

Judith O’Sullivan of Cards for Good Causes, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming shoppers to our pop-up shops across Hampshire this season. Buying Christmas cards through Cards for Good Causes is the best way to get access to the widest selection of Christmas cards available and each card or product purchased makes a vital contribution to the charities that we partner.

“Also available in the shops and online is a fabulous range of festive gifts, decorations, wrapping and stocking fillers, fom colourful tea towels and festive napkins to traditional advent calendars and candles, Cards for Good Causes has a wide array of items that will get your Christmas off to a great start.”

Opening times can be found on www.cardsforcharity.co.uk or call 01264 361555.