THE British Heart Foundation (BHF) is calling on all style-savvy shoppers from the South West to support its life-saving research by taking part in The Big Stitch.

The month-long campaign, launched on July 1 encourages shoppers to pop into their local BHF shop in the South West, buy an item and upcycle it using their creative flair, to be in with a chance of winning amazing prizes.

The BHF’s 550 clothes shops nationwide are full of great finds that can easily be adapted. Whether it’s fraying, tasselling, graffiti, stencilling or adding decorative items, by utilising basic sewing skills, shoppers can showcase their individual style by creating a one-of-a-kind item (or two!).

The campaign is also a great way for sustainable shoppers to get a fashion fix. Last year the British Heart Foundation rescued an incredible 17,000 tonnes of unwanted clothes from going into landfill.

To enter, shoppers will need to upload their “before” and “after” pictures by tagging the BHF on “Twitter”, “Instagram” or the BHF’s “Facebook” page and including the hashtag #TheBigStitch.

All tagged items will automatically be uploaded onto the BHF’s live online photo wall and entered into The Big Stitch competition with three fantastic crafty prizes up for grabs.

From dresses to skirts and shirts, BHF shops provide a large range of quality clothing and accessories at an affordable price, which can easily be turned into bespoke items.

With around 14,700 people in the South West devastatingly losing their lives to conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and vascular dementia, each item sold in the BHF shops will help to raise vital funds into research for new treatments.

The Big Stitch competition runs until July 31. A winner will be selected and announced during the week beginning August 12.

For further information on The Big Stitch and information about how to locate your nearest BHF shop, please visit: www.bhf.org.uk/TheBigStitch .