HOW many young people would consider giving up their presents to make a donation to charity instead?

Stratton girls Sheryl Gawthorn, Lucy O'Keeffe and Stephanie Coleman did just that when their joint 18th birthday celebration raised a total of £650.

The money will be shared between Wroughton's Prospect Hospice and the Special Care Baby Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital.

In an age when young people are often maligned, whether it be for drug taking or petty crime, it is refreshing to know that at least here in Swindon we have a generation coming through who are aware of the importance of caring for people in their community.