THE Plough Arts Centre, in Great Torrington, has been overwhelmed by the public’s support for their clothing collection set up to support the refugee children from Calais in Great Torrington.

The collection was set up with the help of Devon County Council and Torrington Town Council.

Director Richard Wolfenden-Brown said: “We’ve donated some clothes ourselves from our charity shop but mainly we’re acting as a collection point. The response of local people has been heart-warming.

“In the 36 hours since the appeal was launched we’ve had people pouring into the arts centre, not only with clothes but also offering cash, buying toiletries and underwear and other brand new items.

“Then just today we’ve had an offer from Aimee Morgan and colleagues, who work in Child Services in Exeter, of 50 shoe boxes containing basic essentials, which will shortly be delivered to The Plough.”

The centre’s team has sent a sincere thank you to everyone who has helped donate and support the young people who have come over from Calais.

They have enough clothing items now but are trying to learn some basic English skills during their stay so if anyone could donate children’s books or teaching English as a foreign language materials they are asked to take them to The Plough Arts Centre.

The centre can be contacted on 01805 624624, and their website address is www.theploughartscentre.org.uk