MIGRANTS in Calais have benefited from Keighley people's generosity following a joint appeal organised by a charity shop and a town centre business.

Fresh Waters Christian Charity Shop in Bridge Street and Whitegates Estate Agents in North Street had asked people to donate items for destitute migrants camped outside the port.

Thanks to an excellent response, a small team of volunteers was able to travel to Calais and distribute goods to needy people.

Martin Kounnas, an Oakworth resident and managing director at Whitegates, was part of the group that spent most of the day in Calais on September 25.

"We took 50 tents, 50 sleeping bags, nine boxes of clothing, 700 toiletry packages and 300 food parcels," he said.

"It was a very long day, but our team was fantastic."

He added: "The people we gave these items to were just so grateful. Considering what they were going through, the friendliness of the reception we received was unbelievable. They weren't complaining and they were even asking us how we were – never mind their own condition. It had a big impact on me.

"These were just lovely people who are in a desperate position. They are living in horrendous conditions, and people shouldn't be allowed to end up in such situations.

"Just looking at their faces you knew they did not know what was going to happen to them. We had no answers – all we could do was give them a little bit of help.

"I've no idea how they will manage this winter, but we will keep going back there for as long as people keep donating."

Mr Kounnas said he was deeply impressed with local people's reaction to the humanitarian appeal, though he stressed the aid distributed by himself and his fellow volunteers last month was a "drop in the ocean" due to the scale of the problem.

The appeal is still ongoing, and is now looking to collect goods in order to make a second trip to Calais in November.

"Next time, we want to take a car and two vans down," Mr Kounnas said.

"We are still asking for sleeping bags, large tents, socks and shoes in good condition.

"We're also on the lookout for anyone who might be able to supply road-worthy caravans.

"I am so grateful for what's been donated so far. This issue seems to have touched a lot of people's hearts."

People prepared to give more items can drop them off at the Keighley Fresh Waters shop. They can call Whitegates on 01535 669588 for more details on what goods are needed most.