NOT to panic everyone but it is now just 20 days until Christmas.

Which means only three weekends left of manic town centre’s to get all your Christmas shopping done before the big day.

This year while you are buying the latest toys, gadgets and devices why not clear out some of the old stuff and donate it to Stroud O2’s annual gift appeal.

Assistant manager Dan English said: “We’ve always run an appeal, asking people to donate toys which we will take to children spending Christmas in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. This year we’re just trying to raise our profile to boost the number of gifts we can take.

“Last year we took a good amount of toys, books and craft supplies to the hospital, and we’re hoping that if more people know about the appeal we can collect even more.”

Presents of new toys, or used toys in excellent condition, for boys and girls aged up to 13 should be taken to the O2 shop by December 19.

“The shop has done this for a number of years, to give a treat to those less fortunate than the rest of us at Christmas,” added Dan.

“We’ll be open late on Goodwill Evening, and will be happy to take donations then or up to December 19.”

Here are five things you need to know today

  1. Stroud will be celebrating the festive season tonight with the annual Goodwill Evening. It starts from 5pm and then at 6pm the lantern-lit procession –participants will gather at the Sub Rooms forecourt and watch a firework go off before setting off around town. Don’t forget to come into town nice and early as roads into the centre will be closed from 5.30pm until 9pm – and enjoy an evening of Goodwill.
  2. To celebrate Small Business Saturday tomorrow there will be free on-street parking across the county and £2 bus journeys as part of a campaign to support local businesses. For more details click here.
  3. The bodies of a mother and baby have been found in Bristol. Charlotte Bevan left St Michael's Hospital in Bristol with her four-day-old daughter Zaani, on Tuesday. Ms Bevan's body was found on Avon Gorge on Wednesday night. Zaani's body was found nearby on Thursday afternoon.
  4. Following a reconstruction and appeal on BBC’s Crimewatch programme last night, Thursday, Gloucestershire Police have launched a murder inquiry into the death of Cindeford man Shaun James. Click here to read the story.
  5. Forest Green Rovers will be facing Altrincham at home tomorrow without three of their starting 11. James Norwood, Dale Bennett and Eddie Oshodi will miss the next three games after they all received red cards on Tuesday night against AFC Halifax.