People struggling to make ends meet in Melksham could get a helping hand soon, thanks to the efforts of two mums.

Friends Fay Yandell and Claire Parfitt set up the Melksham and Area Helping Our Own page on Facebook at the start of the year, to co-ordinate charitable donations, and have been inundated with offers of support.

Mum-of-three Ms Yandell, 32, said: “It’s a bit scary really; it’s all happening so fast.

“Me and Claire were talking over Christmas, as some family members were having some issues, and we decided we would do a Facebook page and see what happens.

“Everyone seems really willing to help, as they know it’s all going to local people.”

Town residents can use the site to donate unwanted items for distribution to organisations and charities.

Ms Yandell said: “People can just contact us on Facebook and we will come and collect it.

“Then we are hoping to speak to health visitors, doctors’ surgeries and play groups. In certain kinds of work, you come across families in need and, if they know families who need toys, clothes, whatever, we can get it sorted.

“It can be completely confidential, as people don’t always like asking for help.

“We want to start by focusing on the Melksham area, but if – once it’s set up – we can help people in other areas we will, and might look at spreading out.

“At the moment, in my garage I have got toys, baby stuff, high chairs and about 30 big bags of clothes.

“I have got three kids and I am a carer to my eldest son, so it’s hard to fit it all in, but I wanted to do something to help people.”