GYM members in Devizes and Chippenham are putting their weight behind an appeal to collect household items for victims of domestic abuse in Wiltshire.

Kevin Thorne, who himself suffered violence before setting up Helping Victims of Domestic Abuse, was at Curves gym in Devizes on Friday to collect towels, bedding, baby clothes and other items donated by members.

Mr Thorne said: "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.

"They’re moving into a world of unknown. Some flee with only what they are wearing, they leave behind their personal belongings. Many will end up moving back to the house and taking the abuse."

Mr Thorne, 40, who set up the group with his wife Lizzie, said they had both suffered domestic abuse and had also seen a friend almost driven to suicide by violence in the home.

Roz Ambler, who runs the gym, said: "This organisation does a tremendous job helping victims of domestic abuse who often have to flee their homes taking very little with them.

"They are desperately in need of things like towels and bedding which they can't carry with them. Our members have been fantastic with the donations they have made."

Members the Chippenham branch of Curves are also making donations.

To find out more about the group go to www.hvdv.org.uk