TROWBRIDGE charity Ruksak45218 has launched an appeal for referrals of individuals and families who are in need of help.

A new campaign has begun to reach out to the local community to let them know the charity has a huge amount of donations that are now waiting for new homes.

The charity specialises in helping children aged between five and 18 who are in need of personal items for home and school. Ruksak45218 provides items ranging from sanitary products and toiletries to clothes, books, games and school stationery.

In order to help a child they must first be referred and if they are aged five to 18, reside in Wiltshire and are not funded by a local authority then they will be entitled to help.

Ruksak45218 founder Rory Donaldson said: "I am urging social and community workers and housing associations who know of families in need to contact me urgently."

"We have more than 100 bags full of items in our office and I need to get them distributed over the next week or so. Anyone who knows of children who are in need can come and collect items for them."

Cllr Chris Hoar, who has helped to publicise the appeal, said: "The campaign is designed to raise awareness and increase the number of referrals in order for them to reach the children and families who need help."

Call 07483 336862, message them via their Facebook page: @ruksak45218 or via: https://www.ruksak45218.org.uk/