A TEAM of volunteers has said goodbye to a collection of donations to help people in need.

In May 2016, the John Lally International Foundation and York Aid collected clothes, shoes, blankets and children’s toys to be sent to earthquake-hit families in Nepal.

However, due to illness, the donations remained at Lumley Barracks in Burton Stone Lane, York, until this week, when volunteers loaded them ready for their new destination.

Gordon Campbell-Thomas, chairman of the John Lally International Foundation, contacted registered charities to see if the donations could be redirected, and the Yorkshire Aid Convoy agreed to take them to help refugees in Romania.

Mr Campbell-Thomas said: “The point of any aid is to alleviate suffering regardless of where it exists.

"It is a shame that the donations are not going to the place originally intended, but it is good to know that they are going to do good for people in dire need.”

He added: “These donations help empower people in Romania to become self-sufficient, giving long-term help for people constantly battling against a lack of food, clothing and employment opportunities.”