Donate a 'round pound'

With the new 12-sided coin now in circulation, the old one – which has been in service since April 1983 – is due to be withdrawn as legal tender on Sunday, October 15.

The centre is urging everyone to check jam jars, rainy day funds or piggy banks to make sure their pounds are not left unused – and to consider giving them to a good cause.

Partnership manager Martin Allen said: "We are asking everyone to donate us a ‘round pound’ before they go out of circulation.

"We considered asking people to donate a nice shiny new one, similar to the ‘first fiver’ campaign which accompanied the new notes, however, with the old coins going to the piggy bank in the sky, we figured getting people to search their pockets and look down the back of the sofa was a much better way to go.

"The new design is interesting and we are confident people will want to hold on to some of the first ones.

"At one of our groups recently we were looking through some old money and remarked on the similarity between the new pound coin and the old multi-sided threepenny bit and I know that a few of our centre users are looking forward to getting a new coin for that reason alone."

People can show their support on social media with #roundpound and the money will be going towards the purchase of new equipment for a personal safety class, designed to be accessible to blind, partially sighted or hearing impaired people.

For more information about Forth Valley Sensory Centre, including ways to donate, fundraise or volunteer, see www.forthvalleysensorycentre.org or search for @FVSensoryCentre on Facebook and Twitter.