A CHARITY worker has come up with some novel lockdown fundraising tips to help keep vital funds coming in during the Coronavirus crisis.

Deborah Gibbs, a fundraising assistant at the Great North Air Ambulance Service, has given advice on how to stay involved with the charity during the outbreak.

Deborah said: "Although this is an isolating and difficult time for us all there are still ways you can help.

"Here are some of my ideas that could really make a difference to us and you don’t even have to leave your home to do them."

They include:

De-cluttering: It’s time for the spring clean and a good clear out of all those clothes lurking in the back of the wardrobe.

Or sort through old DVDs, games or books which can be recycled through the charity's trading company.

Alternatively sell them on Ebay and give the money raised to the charity.

Online shopping: If buying from Amazon you can donate to the air ambulance through Amazon Smile - where 0.5 per cent of your net shopping total can be paid to the charity.

Just sign in to Amazon Smile then select the air ambulance as your good cause.

A Celebration fundraiser: If anyone cannot celebrate their birthday they can ask all their friends and family to donate money in lieu of birthday gifts or set up a birthday fund page on Facebook or JustGiving.

The 2.6 Challenge: The national 2.6 challenge is going on all this week and is for all ages and abilities.

To join in, you need to think of any activity based around the numbers 2 and 6.

It could be, for example, running for 2.6 miles, or doing yoga for 26 minutes.

Indoor fundraising: All that is needed is a donation jar and lots imagination - here’s a few examples to raise some pennies for the charity:

Pamper party: Charge people for beauty treatments.

Treasure hunt: Draw a treasure map and challenge others to find hidden chocolate treats hidden around the house, charging a small fee to take part.

Indoor obstacle course: Design an obstacle course challenge family members to see who can come up with the best obstacles.

For information go to greatnorthairambulance.co.uk