AID packages sent by generous Dorset Echo readers have been helping people trapped in mountainous refugee camps.

Weymouth businessman Christopher Toms appealed to Echo readers to send items to help children in the camp near Plataria, Greece. He has thanked everyone who has already posted items – but is making a fresh appeal as the situation is still critical.

Mr Toms, who splits his time between running Dorset Coastal Properties and running an animal sanctuary in Platoria, said the refugees are living in ‘austere conditions’.

Temperatures in winter reach -10 degrees Celsius in the mountains and 40C in the summer.

He has thanked the Portland knitting club, The Park School in Yeovil and Redferns Solicitors, who have all sent aid packages.

Mr Toms is collecting the packages and taking them to the refugee camp to ensure they go directly to where they are most needed.

He is posting pictures on his Facebook page, Plataria Link – refugee and destitute child support, showing the children with the items.

He said: “We are particularly appealing for child shoes old (in good condition) or new, reading glasses from Poundland or 99p stores, simple medical supplies such as plasters, wipes, aspirin, Rennie, hairbrushes, toothbrushes etc.

“They are in very austere conditions, on a disused military airbase miles from anywhere. These folk are predominantly from Mount Sinjar and David Cameron campaigned to save them from being trapped there without food or water.”

The siege at Mount Sinjar hit headlines around the world in 2014 when thousands of Yazidis and displaced Iraqis fled to the mountains to escape IS. There they became trapped without food, water or medical supplies.

There is a mix of religions in the camp, including Christians, Muslims, Yazidi and Zoroastrian.

Mr Toms lives in Greece with his wife Beatrice and daughter Anastasia, and was inspired to help when the camp became established close to his home and he saw children running around without shoes, cutting their feet.

He said: “We are in a good position to really help. These people will be in limbo, living in tents in the middle of nowhere for months, maybe even years.

“It’s incredibly efficient as we provide all transport and coordination free. The shoes are particularly appreciated. Most we’ve received are second hand. Snow can fall as early as October and stay until April so kids winter shoes or boots are great.” 

For more information, visit the Platoria Link Facebook page. You can also email Mr Toms on cjtoms211073@gmail.com or call 07976 897884 for more details.

Packages with items mentioned above can be posted to Sokratus 3, Plataria 46100, Igoumenitsa, Greece.