VOLUNTEERS at the Free Shop at the Hub Petersfield Railway Station handed out 122 donated coats to people under a Winter Warmers scheme.

As well as giving away quality coats, donated hats, scarfs and gloves were also snapped up by visitors to the hub, managed by East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership.

Winter Warmers spokesman Lucy Lomax said: “We put out a call to the local community to donate their good-quality coats, hats, scarves and gloves and were not disappointed with the generous supply of items donated.”

During a week, donations were delivered to Winton House Centre in the High Street and The Petersfield School (TPS) in Cranford Road.

Then donations were delivered to the hub.

The hub opened the next day between 10am and 2pm for people to go along and choose what they needed from the donated pre-loved winter wear.

Volunteers enjoyed meeting a variety of both regular and new free shoppers.

More than 120 coats found new homes as well as plenty of gloves, hats and scarves – modelled by volunteers and Ray from South Western Railway.

Lucy added: “The few surplus items at the end were donated to local homeless charities.

“Left-over children’s coats and hats went to Butser Ancient Farm to keep young visitors warm as they brave the elements during their visit – as not all remember to take their coats or they get so wet they need a replacement.

“What next? Well, firstly, a rest for the amazing volunteers who gave up time to make this happen.

“And of course a special mention must go to Winton House, Pecan, the Post and Shine Radio, who helped get the word out.”