ORGANISERS of an appeal for food for the homeless in the Maidstone area have been delighted and amazed by the sheer scale of people's generosity. More than 200 carrier bags full of food were donated to the You Can Help appeal which was launched in the Kent Messenger newspaper in December.

The food was given to Maidstone Christian Care in Ashford Road. The gifts, which numbered up to 2,000 items and included everything from chocolate to turkeys, were enough to feed the dozens of homeless people who enjoyed meals at the centre over the festive season.

The You Can Help appeal was organised by the Kent Messenger with help from supermarkets and the Chequers Shopping Centre. People left food at collection points including the Chequers, Tesco stores at Tovil Green and Lunsford Park, Larkfield, Safeway at Larkfield and the Kent Messenger offices in Maidstone and Larkfield.

Ron Green, editor of the Kent Messenger, said: "I was thrilled that so many people responded to our appeal and gave so generously. I would like to thank everyone who made a donation. But I also want to thank Tesco and Safeway and the Chequers Centre for having collection points because without them we wouldn't have been able to run the appeal so successfully."

Mr Green also thanked Waitrose, Paddock Wood, which donated mince pies to be distributed at the KM Carol concert in the Chequers Centre last month, then allowed the remainder to be given to the You Can Help appeal.

Angela Clay, from Maidstone Christian Care, said: "What we have received is just incredible. I did not expect this kind of reaction from people. They have been so kind."