AN APPEAL supported by the Post to help refugees living in cold, muddy, wet and squalid camps in Northern France is set to continue during the run up to Christmas.

Launched by Petersfield Mayor Lesley Farrow, already generous donors have given enough Wellington boots, sleeping bags, and warm winter clothing to half-fill a transit van.

But the aim is to pack the van to the roof before leaving on a 24-hour turnaround mercy dash to help some of the thousands of refugees living in miserable conditions,

The trip comes on the back of similar unstinting collections from Petersfield area church-goers and by other local groups and organisations, including Herne and Rake primary schools, and the Salvation Army.

Early in the refugee crisis Petersfield couple Claire Lowe and Alex Eneas and their friends organised for aid to be flown to Greece to help those crossing the Mediterranean to escape war, and other humanitarian crises.

More recently, they have dug deep into their own pockets to ferry tents, bedding and clothing across the English Channel to those now facing winter in a camp, with only basic facilities.

The Christmas appeal will close in time for the items to be delivered by December 25 hopefully, say organisers.

But as well as packing the van, financial donations to fill it with diesel and towards the cost of the Channel crossing would be a real help. Once the delivery is made, any left over money will buy things like skin cream for children.

Due to the scarcity of showers in the camps, and intermittant water supplies, rashes among the young are common, say camp visitors.

Wellington boots, walking boots, sturdy shoes, tents, sleeping bags, warm winter clothing and cash donations, can be left at the Petersfield Post office, 33 The High Street, Petersfield, GU32 3JR.

Donations can also be left at the Petersfield Town Council offices in the Festival Hall, Heath Road, GU31 4EA.

E-mail [email protected] or call 01730 232605 for more information about the appeal or with offers of help.