A CONVOY taking thousands of donations which were kindly donated in Corsham earlier this month as part of Refugee Week have reached refugee camps in Greece.

More than 650 bottles of shampoo, 500 toothbrushes and 250 towels were generously donated, along with children's and adults underwear, insect repellent, suncream and 11 tents.

Hope and Aid Direct volunteers have driven three trucks over 3,000km in the heatwave, through France, Belgium, Germany, Austria , Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece, before travelling by ferry to the refugee camps on the islands of Lesvos and Chios.

Their charity partner, Hope And Aid Direct who helps get donations to the refugee camps, told Wiltshire For Refugees which items were most urgently needed.

Hope and Aid Direct Volunteer volunteer Bev Storer, said: "The journey has had its challenges with the heat, the rain leaking into the cab, the closed service station toilet blocks, the long queues, pot holes and several road-blocking break downs to name but a few. "but camaraderie has been incredible. and we even managed to watch the England - Sweden game in Romania.

"Whilst it has been a tough week, it has only been for seven days and, unlike the people we are helping, I know I've got a safe home to return to at the end of my journey.

"These people, through no fault of their own have to deal with poor sanitation, and exposure to the intense sun, rain, heat and cold day after day.

"This is one of the most rewarding things we do with our lives, and I would encourage anyone to get involved in the work Hope And Aid do, either by volunteering to drive in a convoy or helping collect and sort the donations in their local areas."

Charles Storer, head of operations for Hope and Aid Direct, said: "Our work is enormously satisfying, even life-changing, but can be physically hard, the hours can be long, and the patience of Saints is needed when faces with unexpected delays and frustrations.

"I am incredibly proud of the extended team that work tirelessly to make this and every convoy a success."