More than half of Brits have clothes in their wardrobe they have bought but never wear*, which could be worth millions of pounds to charities if they were donated, PDSA research has revealed.

An independent survey commissioned by the leading veterinary charity found that 56% of over 16-year-olds across Great Britain** hold on to their items despite the fact they may not fit, they may not suit them or they were a fashion fad.

The poll also revealed that over a quarter of people are binning clothes rather than donating them to a charity, which could re-sell them or recycle them to raise vital funds.

PDSA today released the figures as it launched its Vet Your Clothes campaign with the support of animal loving celebrities, including fashion guru Gok Wan, model Penny Lancaster and comedian Russell Kane. Other celebrities, such as Alesha Dixon, Fearne Cotton and Sarah Harding have also pledged to support the campaign.

PDSA is aiming to boost stock donations at its 160 shops across the country.

According to the survey, women have more than twice as many unworn clothes, shoes and accessories clogging up their wardrobes than men. The average woman also owns five pairs of shoes, 15 items of clothing and 10 accessories that they haven’t worn in the past year.

Gok Wan, who has donated a pair of designer jeans which he wore on Comic Relief Does The Apprentice, said: “If you’re unable to make a fabulous outfit out of what you have in your wardrobe, then why not de-clutter and donate it.

“If you haven’t worn something in the past year, the likelihood is that you never will, so please do something amazing and support PDSA. As a dog owner myself, I know just how much pets mean to people so please do what you can to help PDSA treat sick and injured pets.”

The poll, produced in conjunction with TNS, also states that British women are twice as likely as men to feel guilty about spending too much on clothes, shoes and accessories despite only spending a fraction more. The average man has spent £306 on clothing, shoes and accessories in the last year whereas for women it is £367.

Model Penny Lancaster and her dog Bubbles are also supporting PDSA.

She said: “You never know what great clothes you’re going to find in your local PDSA charity shop. As a pet owner I know how special they are, so I’m really pleased to support PDSA with this great campaign.”

Comedian Russell Kane, who owns two Pugs called Colin and Janet, added: “People often have clothes lying around in their wardrobes which never see the light of day so if you’ve not worn something in over a year please consider donating it to PDSA. Not only will you feel good about it, your donation could help save a poorly pet’s life.”

Philip Klette, PDSA’s Head of Retail, said stock donations at the charity’s shops had dropped by 13% in the last four years.

“This is leaving us short of the goods to sell in our shops, which means less money to fund our Pet Hospitals,” he said.

“Many charities have noticed a decline in donated stock levels over the past few years but people might not realise that, just by clearing out a few unworn items, you could make a massive difference to PDSA.

“We’re thrilled that celebrities are flying the flag for Vet Your Clothes on social media and encouraging people to think before they throw away what could be a lifeline for poorly pets.”

People are being encouraged to donate as much or as little as they can to their nearest PDSA Shop or Pet Hut stores and share their support on social media using #vetyourclothes. To find your nearest donation point and how you can help, visit - www.pdsa.org.uk/vetyourclothes

Join in the conversation on social media #vetyourclothes

*Based on clothes that respondents have bought within the last 12 months

**All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from TNS Omnibus. Total sample size was 1,016 adults aged 16-64. Fieldwork was undertaken between 14 May – 18 May 2015. The survey was carried out online and weighted to be representative of the adult population of Great Britain 16-64.

*** Based on clothes that have been binned within the last 12 months