SWINDON residents have shown their generosity by donating generously to the Niger Crisis Appeal.

Since the appeal, which is backed by the town's own Melinda Messenger, was launched on Tuesday night more than £5m has been raised.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Advertiser, Melinda, 34, helped to man the phones at the BT Tower in central London the night of the launch.

She said: "I wanted to help in any shape or form that I could. Particularly being a mum, to see children and babies in that situation tore my heart out."

Yesterday morning, people were flocking to town to hand in items to one of the charities involved.

Maggie Aldridge, manager of the Oxfam shop in Regent Street, said: "We have had lots of people bringing in donations for the appeal which is great."

And supermarkets in the town are also holding collections.

The appeal is being run by the Disasters Emergency Committee, which unites ten of the UK's top international aid agencies.

Around 2.5 million people are struggling to survive because of severe food shortages, and 800,000 children are at risk from malnutrition.

Brendan Gormley, DEC chief executive, said: "We are very moved as the British public once again has dug deep."

To donate, go to www.dec.org.uk or call 0870 6060 900. Donations can also be made by going into any high street post office or bank.

Stephanie Tye