BIG-HEARTED shoppers can give the gift of giving this Christmas at Braintree Village retail outlet.

The outlet has teamed up with the First Stop Centre charity, to give Christmas gifts to those in need.

A 'giving tree' has been decorated with gift tags at Braintree Village.

Each represents a person, with their first name and age displayed.

Shoppers at Braintree Village can choose a tag from the tree and select a gift for them from one of the outlet's stores.

Braintree Village boss Josef O’Sullivan said: “After what has been a challenging year, even more people are facing a Christmas with nothing under the tree.

"That’s why we’re working with First Stop Centre to help those in need this festive season."

"If you’re able to help us by buying an extra gift for someone in need this year whilst you’re doing your own festive shopping from one of our many stores, it would mean so much to them to be able to open a present on Christmas Day.

"Simply deliver this to guest services and we’ll make sure it’s wrapped and delivered in time to make a person’s Christmas that extra bit special.”

The appeal runs until December 15. For more information, visit braintree-village.com.