Rushcliffe Borough Council and local homeless charity the Friary have praised the generosity of Rushcliffe residents who have donated an incredible record 13 tonnes of food and clothing to those in need.

Residents across the Borough donated items when they placed their bin out for collection last week (January 6-10) and the authority’s waste team busily collected the charitable gifts, many from its most needed list.

Thousands of drinks, snacks, tins of food, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, trousers, underwear and shoes will now be distributed in the coming months in the fourth year of the project with the items stored for free at Edwalton Golf Centre in containers courtesy of Concept Accommodation Ltd.

The number of donations has increased by over a tonne after a similar effort in January last year and is an increase of three tonnes on the same initiative in 2018.

Borough Council Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “Residents’ generosity has again been astonishing, we thank everyone who has taken the time to place items out with their bin.

“It’s not just the volume of items that everyone has so kindly given but the thought so many people have gone to and checked the most needed items list that will benefit those in need who use the Friary’s services.

“Last year our waste teams collected a phenomenal 12 tonnes so to surpass that figure this year is a real achievement and praise must also go to them, dedicating extra hours to collect so many items.”

Volunteers will soon begin sorting the items so they can be used at the charity’s centre in West Bridgford, which offers advice, health and practical support services to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Paul Randle, vice-chairman of the Friary said: “A thank you to the exceptional generosity of the people of Rushcliffe who have come up trumps again and the work of the Borough Council.

“It raises the profile of the charity in the Borough and it’s just the most superb initiative, we couldn’t survive without the support of the community, we can’t thank them enough.”

Rushcliffe Borough Council staff also contributed to the collection efforts at their sites at Rushcliffe Arena, Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre and Eastcroft depot offices.

Anyone who missed the chance to donate with the kerbside collections can still do so at the Council’s Customer Contact Centre on Rectory Road in West Bridgford.

Visit @theFriary88 on twitter, www.the-friary.org.uk or call 0115 982 5448 to find out more about their services, how to contact them and how you can become involved in supporting their work.