ITEMS donated to help the district’s flood victims continue to be distributed by volunteers of the Tynedale Flood Appeal project.

Corbridge, Ovingham and Haydon Bridge were among the villages visited by members last week as donations from local businesses, including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Homebase, were given out.

Appeal co-ordinator, Haltwhistle’s Gail Ward, said: “Many still have no communication means to contact us or are unaware we exist, so we decided to go out to them in a van loaded up with basic items of toasters, kettles, microwaves, crockery, cutlery and cleaning materials to get folks back on their feet.

“People have had to move from their homes and find alternative accommodation and are scattered far and wide across our area. We’ve tried to reach as many as possible.”

Supported by members of Tynedale Lions Club and volunteer van drivers,
Gail is managing to link offers of support with those most in need via the Facebook page ‘Help for people affected by floods in Tynedale’.

“We have been fortunate with generous help from local supermarkets and stores,” Gail added.

“We would like to thank each and every one of them for showing Tynedale cares very much about its people.

“And a special thanks to all those who have repeatedly volunteered their time, particularly Tynedale Lions, who have been a great support in our efforts to reach out to the community.”