A SHOEBOX appeal by the Refugees Welcome in Bude group resulted in a hugely successful response, say organisers.

Ninety-four boxes were taken to All Saints Church in Truro, filled with toothbrushes, shower gel, wet wipes, snack bars and items to keep warm through the winter, as well as messages of hope and goodwill, ready for distribution to refugees in Europe.

A spokesperson for the group said: “We were especially impressed with the beautifully hand knitted hats, gloves and scarves.

“Group members’ homes and the Ark Angel bookshop were really helpful in acting as collection points and St Martin’s United Reformed Church offered us space for sorting everything out.

“The overwhelming generosity of the public was just amazing. Well done, Bude, you should feel proud.”

The group expressed thanks to everyone who helped make the shoebox appeal a huge success, and hopes people will support future events they have planned, the next being a social fundraising evening of live music, open mic — for reading out your favourite poem, food and fun at the Tree Inn, Stratton, on Friday, December 11 from 7pm onwards.?All are welcome.

The evening is free but there will be a raffle and collection box.

Due to the recent tragic events in Paris, and the raised level of terror threat in the UK, the Refugees Welcome in Bude Group says many people are wary of the potential implications resettling refugees could have, but the group says the procedure for resettlement is stringent and public safety is paramount.

A spokesperson said: “There is understandable concern regarding the resettlement of refugees but I want to reassure people that anyone coming here will have been chosen from refugee camps near Syria and vetted initially by the United Nations and again by the Home Office.

“We will be resettling genuine refugees only, which after all is our legal and moral duty.”

More information about the group can be found on their Facebook page ‘Refugees welcome in Bude’.