Dozens of pairs of shoes were dumped outside a Bushey Heath charity shop yesterday as a new appeal was launched.

Barnardo's, in High Road, launched its Put Your Best Foot Forward appeal, encouraging residents to donate second-hand, unwanted shoes.

Richard Howitt, member of the European Parliament, attended Friday afternoon's launch to give his support to the charity.

He said: “I have been a long-standing supporter of Barnardo's. They do some great work with children who need their help. Everyone has got a pair of shoes they don't ever wear so I encourage them to come and donate them to the shop.”

The nationwide charity relies heavily on donations to stay afloat as well as volunteers who make up most of the in-store staff.

Customer assistant Kathryn Watson said: “We make most of our money from women's fashion so when people donate items it makes a big difference. We have been looking forward to the campaign and a lot of people have donated their shoes already.”