SO many items of winter clothing, footwear and bedding were donated by Chiddingfold well-wishers to support a humanitarian aid appeal to help refugees, they overflowed the collection van, on Tuesday.

The village project to support Samara’s Aid Appeal was led by Chiddingfold rector The Rev Sarah Brough. “A total of 72 large boxes were loaded on to the van,” she said. “They didn’t all fit so Doug Mitchell, father of Ian who drove the van, followed on with the last three.

“The boxes were taken to a warehouse in Lewes to begin the journey to the refugee camps in northern Iraq where the weather is turning colder by the day.

“I had a wonderful team of helpers all week, many of whom made several return visits to sort and pack items intended to be an expression of ‘love, hope and encouragement’ for those who have lost everything.”

It costs £6,500 to transport each container lorry to Iraq and St Mary’s church are taking special collections until the end of October to help fund the cost.

If you are able to make a donation send it in an envelope marked ’Iraq’ to The Rectory, Coxcombe Lane, Chiddingfold GU8 4QA.