A group has been set up to help people in Wiltshire fleeing domestic violence.

Donations have been received from 260 people for victims forced to escape physical and emotional abuse at home.

The group, which calls itself Helping Survivors of Domestic Violence, says donations have far exceeded expectations, with goods given ranging from clothes, furniture and household items to essentials like food, nappies, baby milk and toiletries.

So many have been received they now need more storage space until they are distributed.

Samanatha Burton, 35, of Chippenham, who is one of seven founding members, said: “This is to help people who have fled with nothing. We have had a great response from people in the area.

“Selwood Housing has donated a garage for six months, but we are desperately trying to find more free storage, in the Chippenham area ideally, and are also asking local companies for donations.”

Fellow volunteer Kevin Thorne, 40, also from Chippenham, has himself been a victim of domestic violence in the past.

He said: “What set it off was a friend of a friend was in a violent relationship; she was moving into a property with three boys and they had nothing.

“It’s nice to be able to give them something. They’ve been totally run into the ground and made to feel totally useless – no self-esteem whatsoever.

“One woman had petrol poured over her and lit matches flicked at her by her boyfriend.

“What the perpetrator will do is make them think that no one likes them and make them lose contact with family and friends.

“Some flee with only what they are wearing.”

For help or to drop off items or have them collected, make contact through www.hvdv.org.uk or www.facebook.com/groups/HelpDvvictims/