Forty one bags of donations for the people of Ukraine were made at Carterton Leisure Centre in two days.

West Oxfordshire District Council are working with partners including GLL, who manage the leisure centres, and RAF personnel to collect the donations which will be distributed to organisations on the ground in the war-torn country.

Council leader Michele Mead said: “Many of the people affected by the conflict in Ukraine have fled their homes with a single suitcase. In response to the crisis, and to assist those seeking refuge, we have made space available to store crucial supplies.”

Students from schools across West Oxfordshire have donated and at the latest count over 738 boxes have been collected in just five days.

Witney Gazette:

The items have been packed by RAF Brize Norton volunteers along with volunteers from local companies.

People are urged to bring only much-needed items such as dried food (long-life items only), bottled water (unopened), first aid supplies (unopened), toiletries and sanitary items (unopened), warm clothes and underwear, sleeping bags (no duvets or pillows) and toys.

The leisure centre in Broadshires Way is open from 6am to 10pm Monday - Friday and 7am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.