THE people of Ledbury and beyond joined forces with the Ledbury Refugee Support Group to help with the mammoth task of sorting, bagging and labelling the locals' generous donations to the refugee crisis.

Huge numbers of filled sacks were transported to a barn where helpers gave up their own time to assist with the campaign. Group volunteer, Jan Long remarked: “It is humbling to see the fantastic array of items given by so many kind people; many of the gifts are brand new and excellent quality and crucially important are the winter coats and shoes. There have also been non-perishable food donations from a harvest festival, medical supplies, and the students at John Masefield High School have provided help. Added to this, the filled shoeboxes destined to delight anyone who receives one, which are donated by the pupils and families from Ledbury Primary School, where the head teacher, Julie Rees has given her full support to the project."

The co-ordinating team will liaise with the lorries to arrange collection of the items next week and transport the first consignment to Greece where there is a growing need as the numbers of refugees is increasing daily. All the donations will make a positive impact on the lives of those who have nothing.

Group leader Rich Hadley commented that there are a number of dedicated people without whom the project might have failed and he acknowledged that they are owed a debt of gratitude.