A CONSIGNMENT of food, warm clothing and other donations is on its way to Calais thanks to the generosity of the people of Dorchester.

A team of dedicated volunteers set up the Dorchester Direct Aid group to help support refugees stuck in the Calais camp known as The Jungle.

In just three weeks they collected a room full of donations and are now delivering them to the French camp.

The group's efforts have been supported by local property firm Meyers Estate Agents.

As well as food boxes, they have collected warm ski garments and other clothing as well as tents, sleeping bags and other items.

Julian Nangle, who will be joined by grandson Will as he heads over to Calais with a camper van full of boxes, said that the refugees were in urgent need of the donations at this time of year.

He said: "We have got to get it out there."

Mr Nangle thanked the people of the county town for their generosity as well as Great Western Camping of Dorchester, which kick-started the collection with a host of donations, and Dorchester Town Council for allowing them to use space at its offices to store the items.

The Dorchester Direct Aid group has also been supported by the Blandford Cares group, which has carried out a number of trips to drop off donations for the refugees.

Mike and Suzi Hearn from the group will join Mr Nangle on the trip.

Mr Nangle added that the group was planning another trip in the New Year and was keen to hear from anyone who wanted to make further donations.

As well as tinned food and warm clothing, other items needed in the camp include shoes, tents, travelling bags, socks, candles, belts, blankets and sleeping bags, toiletries, plastic bags, pots and pans, plastic water containers, black sacks for rubbish, fire lighters, airtight storage containers and plastic storage boxes.

Mark Meyers, from Meyers Estate Agents, said his firm is willing to arrange collection of some items and can be contacted at community@meyersestates.com

Donations can also be delivered by arrangement by contacting Mr Nangle at Julian@nanglerarebooks.co.uk

If anyone wishes to make a financial donation to support the group's ongoing efforts to support the refugees in Calais they can pay money into the Dorchester Direct Aid bank account at Lloyds, which has a sort code of 30-98-97 and an account number of 36154068.

Cheques to the group can also be sent to Julian Nangle at 25 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1EZ.