A MOUNTAIN of dumped prams at Manchester Airport is proving a bonanza for charities.

Around 60 pushchairs a week are abandoned on baggage carousels and in departure lounges - meaning 1,100 have been left behind in the last six months.

Some have been simply forgotten but many are dumped by parents who can't be bothered to take them home.

Manchester Airport has given them to St Ann's Hospice in Heald Green and Wythenshawe's Tree of Life Centre to be sold in their shops.

St Ann's has already made more than £1,000 from the partnership.

St Ann's Hospice manager Anthony Lord said: "It's a really good idea.

"There are a wide variety of buggies left. The majority are lightweight summer buggies but there have been some quite expensive ones as well, probably about £80 when new.

"We go down to the airport with a van each month and fill it up.

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"The pushchairs are proving really popular in our shops and sales have provided more than £1,000 for hospice funds. I'm not too surprised that parents leave them, because I have to admit I've done it myself.

"It's easier to buy a cheap one on holiday and leave it at the airport than take it on the plane."

St Ann's Hospice sells the buggies, usually for around £3, through its online shop and 10 stores in Greater Manchester.

The Tree of Life sells them at its low-cost shop in Wythenshawe.

Jonathan Green, community manager at the airport, said: "This is a simple idea that benefits everyone. We find scores of abandoned pushchairs in the terminals every week over the summer months.

"Some have been forgotten but I think the majority are left on purpose. Parents buy cheap ones for the holiday.

"There will be fewer left in the winter but this is a permanent scheme now.

"It helps local charities and helps the environment by diverting waste away from landfill sites."