ORGANISERS of the Bradford on Avon Giving Tree in Lamb Yard say they are amazed at the success of the appeal, with hundreds of gifts for homeless people and pets being left throughout the Christmas period.

People were asked to leave presents under the tree for the Julian House homeless shelter in Bath, and Bath Cats and Dogs Home.

Chris Curtis and the Bradford on Avon Christmas lights team were delighted with the number of donations.

Mr Curtis, of Spencer’s Orchard in Bradford, said: “The project was really successful this year. It followed the Christmas lights switch-on on November 25 and carried on right up until Christmas Day.

"I was overwhelmed by the amount of donations people had dropped off. Each day I would go and there would be a lot more presents dropped off for the two homes.

“We are very grateful to the public, the businesses that supported it and to St Laurence and Stonar schools, which helped out a lot with this year’s appeal.”

People were asked to donate cat and dog food for the Bath-based charity and everyday items for Julian House.

“What helped a lot was the support from Jazz Carlin, Michelle Donelan and media coverage from the Wiltshire Times," Mr Curtis added.

"We had a dog called Marsha come over from the dogs and cats home and I have just found out that as of January 1 she will have a new home, which is lovely.

"We only started it last year but the Giving Tree has been well received by the public. We collected hundreds of donations, I have lost count of exactly how much was collected.”

As a result of all of the support Mr Curtis has already decided to make the giving tree a permanent Christmas feature.

“It has been a very humbling experience," he said.