NEARLY two-thirds of shoppers say being approached by charity collectors in the street, puts them off donating to the cause being collected for, according to a survey.

Some 61 per cent of people across the UK said being approached by a paid fundraiser, sometimes referred to as 'chuggers' or charity mugger, wearing branded clothing, actively puts them off donating to that charity.

The survey, from not-for-profit fundraising website Virgin Money Giving, also found that people were more likely to donate if the person raising money was wearing an "embarrassing" fancy dress costume, during a fun run for example - with 66 per cent of people saying they would feel more inclined to hand over cash.

And 43 per cent of donors could be motivated to give their cash by a fundraising challenge.

Jo Barnett, executive director at Virgin Money Giving, said: "Charity-giving habits are changing and our research shows that people will actively avoid hassle on the high street and can be put off from giving altogether when confronted by a chugger."

Some 2,000 people took part in the survey.