RESIDENTS in South Gloucestershire are being called upon to donate their old £1 coins for Southmead Hospital Charity’s Prostate Cancer Care Appeal.

The Prostate Pound Drop is a chance for people to help the appeal by taking part in the amnesty and getting rid of their old coins.

Consumers have until October 15 to spend, bank or donate the old round £1 coins which have been replaced by the new 12-sided coin.

From October 15, shops can refuse to take the old version of the pound coin, however, most banks and Post Office counters will continue to accept them from customers.

The appeal aims to raise £2million to purchase two surgical robots for the hospital to meet growing demand, fund new diagnostic and treatment options and to support the training of the next generation of robotic surgeons - improving outcomes for men with prostate cancer.

Adrian Brown, Southmead Hospital Charity’s community appeals manager, said: "We are urging people to donate their old pound coins to the Prostate Cancer Care Appeal as we think it’s a fantastic opportunity to support a great cause and get rid of your old pound coins at the same time!

“We know that every little helps, and your £1 coins can really make a difference to men with prostate cancer.

“And we wouldn’t just like you to donate your old pound coins of course – we’d also love to have donations of your new pound coins too!”  

Pound coins can be donated at the big collection point in the atrium of the hospital’s Brunel Building or by emailing the charity team on hello@southmeadhospitalcharity.org.uk.