PORTISHEAD charities are appealing to residents to log on to help them beat the recession.

As people tighten their belts, local organisations say they are finding it harder than ever to raise much-needed funds.

Portishead Town Band and the town’s youth centre are two charities looking at new ways to raise money and they are asking people to help boost their causes whenever they shop online.

Portishead Town Band has joined thousands of good causes raising money through easyfundraising.org.uk - an online gateway to more than 2,000 well-known retailers.

When supporters shop using the links on easyfunding.org.uk, the band receives 15 per cent of the purchase price as a donation.

With British shoppers set to spend a staggering �39billion online this year alone, Marion Dobbs from the town band is keen for as many people as possible to sign up.

She said: “Things are tough at the moment and we understand that, so we are having to look at more creative ways to raise vital funds for Portishead Town Band.”

Portishead Youth Centre has signed up with givingabit.com which is a national site run by Portishead businessman Nick Humphreys.

Nick said: “Portishead Youth Centre offers a great deal to our community and they will benefit if residents who are shopping online, do it through givingabit.”

To support Portishead Town Band visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/portisheadband To support Portishead Youth Centre visit www.givingabit.com/communities/details/962/portishead-youth-centre