Two Petersfield organisations came together to put on a post-Christmas event for the third year running.

Winton House Centre and the Petersfield Climate Action Network (PeCAN) held a Christmas present exchange on Saturday, January 18.

In the weeks prior to the event, people had been donating their unwanted Xmas gifts so they could come back and exchange them for something else. Although the doors didn’t open until 9.30am, some locals had started lining up outside 10 minutes early.

Sarah Moss from Winton House said: “It's about reuse and saving on the carbon footprint, people bring in gifts and we give them vouchers. Then they can come and select things they don't want.

“If you bring in six gifts, you can choose six things from the table. This year we've got a lot less, so I think that means people are getting less unwanted Christmas gifts.

“Our charity this year is Home-Start Butser and anything leftover will go to them, they can use them for raffle prizes or gifts.”

According to PeCAN, by reusing, regifting or recycling items, people reduce the volume of CO2 consumed every year in Petersfield from the production and transportation of goods.

Ms Moss added that this year’s exchange had smaller numbers compared to the previous year, with around thirty-five people compared to more than 50 in 2024.

She said: “It shows people are not spending as much money and less are bringing their stuff in.”

Bath products were among the common items handed in and Oxfam has toiletries listed in a top 10 of unwanted Christmas gifts.

PeCAN commented: “The aim is to reduce waste and provide a route for nice but unneeded gifts to find a new home where they will be more appreciated. This is a project for the community by the community.”