CUSTOMERS gave more than half a ton of food and toiletries to support those in need in Swindon.

Six members of Old Town Belles Women’s Institute ran a collection at Waitrose on Mill Lane dressed in their spotty aprons.

And in just five hours customers gave them food toiletries and nearly £100.

A member of WI spokesperson said: “The response was amazing.

"We have done collections before at Waitrose and the customers are always pleased to see us and very generous, but this was exceptional.

“Demand for help from the Food Collective increases at this time of year as children are not getting free school meals in the school holidays, so the success of the collection was very timely.

“We want to say a huge thank you to all customers who donated food or money and to the staff at Waitrose who were, as always, very helpful, and who made us welcome and helped make such a success.”

The group in Swindon is part of a nationwide movement aiming to support communities and tackle issues that affect them the most. It was founded in 2012 and has now a full membership list thanks to a growing interest.

They run various charity events throughout the year to raise funds.