People will be able to donate to charity when using a cash machine this summer under new government plans.

Royal Bank of Scotland cash machines and those owned by independent operator Bank Machine will be the first to allow charitable donations.

More than 12,000 machines across the UK will allow people to donate between £1 and £250 to selected charities with more banks expected to follow.

The banks will be able to choose who they support and people will be given a choice when they use a cash machine.

The scheme is part of a government strategy to make it easier for people to give small amounts to charity.

A spokeswoman for RBS said: "Charities do very important work in the community and we are very happy to support this new vehicle for giving.

"We know that finances are tight for many people, but if our customers do want to make a donation. we want to make the process as easy as possible for them."

Ron Delnevo, managing director of Bank Machine, said: "This is the single biggest development both for charity and ATM services this millennium.

"It demonstrates the ability of ATMs to do more than simply deliver cash and gives the UK public the easiest method ever created to allow them to donate money to charity."