DAME Judi Dench takes Christmas presents to a whole new level in her latest charity film for ShelterBox.

In a playful nod to the UK’s £1.5 billion worth of unwanted gifts last year, Dame Judi regifts one of her most eyebrow-raising pressies to friend and fellow stage legend, Dame Imelda Staunton.

The underlying message is to champion a more meaningful approach to festive giving by supporting the international disaster relief charity, which is headquartered in Truro.

“I thought Dame Imelda might appreciate the skimpy red thong more than I did – though I suspect it’s not quite her colour either!” says Dame Judi. “But if it gets people talking about giving gifts that truly matter, then it’s worth every giggle.”

“I’ve received many things in my time, but this might be the most unexpected,” says Dame Imelda. “It’s a cheeky reminder that the best presents aren’t always under the tree - sometimes, they’re the ones that make a difference to people you’ll never meet.

“More people than ever have been forced from their homes and ShelterBox is doing what it can to support people in such difficult times. The aid is practical - items that will make a real difference to families who've lost so much.”

ShelterBox specialises in emergency shelter for people after conflict or disaster. Virtual gifts include tents, thermal blankets and cooking sets for families displaced by earthquakes, storms and war.

Right now, ShelterBox is supporting 120 million people in countries including the Philippines, devastated by typhoons and earthquakes, and Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

In Afghanistan, ShelterBox is helping thousands displaced by a powerful earthquake, and in Syria, assistance is being provided to people uprooted by years of conflict. In both countries, freezing temperatures put lives at risk without the basics to survive the cold.

To learn more, visit shelterbox.org.