Celebrations may be muted this year, but the Christmas spirit is still very much alive and well in one corner of Kent.

When it became clear that Rodger, who sleeps rough on the streets of Maidstone, was not to be found with his tent, the community came together to uncover that he was unwell in the hospital.

In the meantime, kind-hearted strangers continued to leave donations of food and warm clothes for him at his regular spot in St Andrew's Road, Barming.

Realising the gifts would not make it to Rodger while he recuperates at Maidstone Hospital, Sarah Daniell - who runs the Pukka Ponies animal welfare charity - decided to leave a note with the tent and collect all the donations safely until their intended recipient is well enough to be discharged.

"When I learnt he had been taken to hospital I was quite concerned about him," she said.

"I was born and grew up in the area, and I remember Rodger sleeping rough, and being friendly with him.

"I was a bit concerned that he did not have anybody to look out for him. We have managed to track down his family, they are doing what they can but they don't live locally."

Ms Daniell explained that Rodger's family are very private, and the distance means it is almost impossible for them to do much because of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Rodger, who is in his early 50s and has been described as a talented keyboard player, has been a familiar face in Barming for many years, and once appeared in the pages of the Kent Messenger when we reported on a generous scheme at Barming Fish and Chips where customers could purchase an extra meal for a local homeless person.

The donations received for Rodger are being collected up and will hopefully be handed over to him in a weather-proof bag when he is back on his feet.

Messages of support from well-wishers have also be coming in via a page set up on Facebook.

"He has been making slow and steady progress," said Ms Daniell, who wished to respect Rodger's privacy by not discussing his specific condition.

"It's been such a great show of community. People have been leaving soup, water, sweets, gloves and hats. Everything has been washed and cleaned, and is safe for when he needs it in the future."

This winter, for the nineteenth year, the Kent Messenger is backing local charity Homeless Care's 'You Can Help' campaign, which aims to secure vital donations of food, clothing and other useful items and runs throughout December.

Every year school students and residents replenish the charity’s cupboards, with nearly 15,000 items collected in last year’s drive.

The charity runs a day centre in Knightrider Street for the homeless, offering everything from showers and hot meals to housing and employment advice.

In February, before the virus hit, the centre helped 31 rough sleepers. Currently it is supporting 38 people, including those in Goodsell House, a home run by the charity that provides accommodation for the homeless.

To support You Can Help, drop off donations at Morrisons in Sutton Road and Larkfield and Sainsbury’s in Romney Place.

Schools taking part in the campaign are Cornwallis Academy, Maidstone Grammar School, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls and Oakwood Park Grammar School.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone