BAGS of items have been donated to Syrian refugees by selfless parents and youngsters at Appleton Thorn Primary School.

Parents and children from the Arley Road site have donated clothes, shoes, toiletries, toys, colouring books and pencils to those in need overseas.

The products have been sent to Charity And Recycling Enterprise UK (CARE), which incorporates Refugee Aid NW.

The bags will be sent in containers to Syria and Greece to support families in need.

CARE UK is also assisting charity Merseyside Refugee & Asylum Seekers Pre & Postnatal Support Group, which is looking after more than 300 families.

To date, CARE UK has sent 21 containers packed with donations to Syria and Greece.

It has portacabins in Appleton Thorn, while its main sorting depot is situated in Lostock Gralam.

Founder Nora Carlin said she was humbled by the generosity from Appleton Thorn Primary School.

She said: "Over a dozen bags were donated – they collect once a term for us.

"We are also asking schoolchildren to leave their shoes behind on the last day.

"As they all get new ones in September, we can collect these and send them on.

"We have sent 20 40 ft containers to Syria and Greece, the 21st went to Greece on Saturday.

"We also have other projects – our next project is cloth nappies and toiletries for families in Zambia with The Roll Out The Barrel Trust.

"We help those in need, wherever they are.

“We are also actively working with food banks and YMCA Warrington."

CARE UK is still 'desperately searching' for a large premises in Warrington.

Nora added: "A 10km sq ft site would make us happy but a 20km sq ft site would really set us up long-term."

To get involved with volunteering or help e-mail nora @careukcharity.org.uk.

For further information about the charity head to the Refugee Aid NW (CARE UK) charity Facebook page.