MOBILE phone fans are being urged to think twice before they bin their out of date handsets.

Thousands of people get a new phone for Christmas, but the unloved old model could provide a bumper Christmas present for a charity.

The Child Victims Of Crime Trust sells them in Third World countries and can get as much as £8 for each one they are given.

Now it is appealing to the public to support its work with Greater Manchester youngsters who have suffered from serious crimes. All the money raised from the appeal will help youngsters in the area.

It has given 34 awards to children from the area in 2001. Four of them were sent on a holiday to Disneyland, Florida, 11 enjoyed a trip to an activity centre, two others went on an activity holiday and 17 others have received other awards to replace property, such as new computers and bikes.

The trust was set up after the Warrington Bomb killed two boys in 1993. It has helped children who have seen their parents murdered or witnessed other horrific acts of violence.

Children are provided with counselling, helped to return to school and provided with gifts like bikes or computers.