​For five hours on Saturday, people can call an Uber cab to take stock to charity shops

Taxi firm Uber has teamed up with a major charity to enable people to send donations to its shops.

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and Uber have formed a partnership meaning people can use the company’s cabs to deliver stock to the charity’s stores.

Between noon and 5pm on Saturday (2 June), anyone using the Uber app will be able to request a driver to come to their house, take away unwanted items and deliver them as part of the UberGIVING scheme.

Users will have to select the option on the app to access the free service in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The charity is seeking items of clothing, accessories, kitchenware, homeware and small electrical items, all in good condition.

Caro Evans, director of partnerships at CRUK, said: "We’re really excited to be working with Uber on this initiative. CRUK has nearly 600 shops across the UK, so finding new and imaginative ways for people to donate their unwanted items is really exciting."

A survey by Uber of 2,000 people found that the average British household had an average of £605 worth of unwanted items in their home, which the company estimated could raise an extra £16bn for good causes if they were donated.

About 60% of people surveyed said they had items they had decided to give away as part of a spring clean, but had not yet got round to donating.

Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber in the UK, said: "UberGIVING is one of our favourite initiatives and is the perfect opportunity for people to give items to charity and let Uber do the work.

“Many people are unable to get to a convenient local charity shop because of busy schedules, yet have lots of unwanted items taking up space. We are proud that Uber can step in and be of service.”