LINKED to its Diversity work in school, Coombeshead Academy supported the local charity Newton Crisis Aid with their March collection of clothing and goods.

These are taken to Refugee Aid from Taunton (RAFT) who have been helping provide aid in many places including Syria, Pakistan, Calais, Afghanistan and more recently Ukraine, as well as helping resettled individuals in the UK.

Sophie Farleigh, a language teacher at Coombeshead Academy, organised the collection and said: ‘Newton Crisis Aid were truly overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of the items donated (clothing and shoes, blankets and sleeping bags, toiletries) – they managed to fill a van load with everything from school alone.

‘These items will make such a difference to those in need and the generosity and community spirit shown by all involved is heart-warming.

‘If you can spare any clothing and shoes for men, women and children (please no holes, stains or tears), they would be gratefully received at the next collection on Thursday, April 6, from 2pm to 4pm) at Abbotsbury Church in Newton Abbot.

'For items needed, contact [email protected] (collection every first Thursday of each month).’