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Big-hearted residents of South Tyneside are being encouraged to help Ukrainian refugees newly arrived in the Borough to re-build their lives.

South Tyneside Asylum Seekers and Refugees Church Help (STARCH) is asking people to donate new or good quality clothing, shoes and trainers for children from the age of two up to teenagers. Fashionable clothes for young people as well as clothing suitable for older women are also being requested with socks and underwear in particular demand. Toiletries, sanitary items and nappies are also very much needed.

Any working laptops and tablets with a power supply would also be very welcome to enable older children to do their homework.

The items are being collected by STARCH who will then distribute donations to families.

The Council has provided a building at 16 Barrington Street in South Shields to the charity free of charge for six months to allow it to collect, sort and distribute items.

Margaret Gregg, a volunteer with STARCH, said: "We are so grateful to the Council for finding us premises where we can work from.

"I am sure the vast majority of people who have seen the horrendous images of the war in Ukraine will be moved to help. Thanks to the generosity and compassion of local people, some Ukrainian families are now in South Tyneside but they desperately need the basics to help them settle in to their new lives."

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of the Council, said: "As with any conflict it is sadly ordinary people who suffer the most. However, South Tyneside has a long and proud history of helping those who find themselves in distress and thankfully some are now in a place of safety.

"I understand that with the cost of living crisis, these are difficult times for everyone but I also know that the people of South Tyneside will support these families, give what they can and extend a warm welcome to those who find themselves in dire straits through no fault of their own."

She added: "I commend the volunteers at STARCH who are going the extra mile to help those in need. It is precisely this type of community spirit and co-operation which led us to create the #LoveSouthTyneside campaign which recognises those who give their time to help others. "

People can donate goods at 16 Barrington Street in South Shields, NE33 1AN. The building will be open on Monday 16, Wednesday 18 and Friday 20 May from 11am - 4pm.   The hours will then be reduced from week beginning 23 May to Monday 11am - 3pm, Wednesday 12noon - 3pm, and Friday 12 noon - 3pm. Anyone who would like to leave items but cannot make these times is asked to contact Margaret Gregg on 07914123259.