'Tis the season of giving, and Clarks Village in Street has announced its Christmas charity initiative, giving guests the opportunity to nominate a local charity of their choice via their website to receive part of a £2,000 donation.

While the festive lights are still making an appearance at Clarks Village, the initiative comes as the outlet shopping centre decides to donate the money that is usually spent on its Christmas tree to local charities in need instead this Christmas.

Landsec, the owner of Clarks Village, has matched this donation meaning there is a total of £2,000 to distribute before the end of 2020 for what has been a challenging year for many non-profit organisations.

To nominate their charity guests can head to https://clarksvillage.co.uk/articles/help-us-share-the-love-christmas, where they will be able to fill out an online form to suggest a local charity or cause.

Nominations are open until December 18, and the selected charities will be informed the week after if they have won part of the donation.

Chris Davis, centre director of Clarks Village, said: "We're delighted to announce our Christmas charity campaign for 2020.

"This has been a challenging year for many, so we're pleased that we're able to give guests the chance to help make a difference to a local cause that is close to their heart.

"While we know how much our visitors love our annual tree, we wanted to make a donation instead as charities need our help more than ever this year.

"We can't wait to see the nominations from guests and we look forward to announcing the list of charities just before Christmas."

While this year's Christmas shopping may be a little different, Clarks Village has implemented measures to ensure that guests can visit and enjoy up to 60 per cent off their Christmas shopping, all with confidence.

Safety measures includes signage, posters, announcements and floor markings to help guests 'Keep Left' and to maintain 2m social distancing, and hand sanitising stations are available at the entrances.