A LEIGH couple are heading to the Calais refugee camp armed with donations from generous neighbours.

Laura, 39 and Steve Bessant, 40, are heading to the French town next weekend to volunteer at the camp.

The pair are now on a final donation-raising drive before they leave on Saturday, March 19 and want people to give them sleeping bags, first aid kits and other essentials.

Mrs Bessant, of Cottesmore Gardens, said they have received help from lots of Leigh businesses and have been “blown away” by the support shown.

She said: “A removal company is collecting and an estate agent is happy to take donations.

“A number of other local individuals are also helping us with bigger items like sleeping bags.”

The 39-year-old said they are simply doing what they can to try and make a difference.

She added: “We are doing this because we are a town with small businesses and if we pull together we can make a small difference. We are travelling in conjunction with L'Auberge Des Migrants/Help Refugees.

“Steve Bessant and I are the two travelling but we have gathered help from Move It Removals, Leigh Car Wash, Beside the Sea Interiors, Camping & General and Prepped & Packed.”

“No money can be taken, just items on the list. Our visit will be the first in a series of visits and our intention was always to gather the positive intent from such a thriving little town and we have been blown away by the offers of help, from donation pickups in a removal van through to bulk sleeping bag donations.”

Items on the list include small backpacks, bottles of water, dried fruit, cereals bars, basic first aid kits, foil blankets, torches and sleeping bags.

To donate visit https://www.facebook.com/WhatwecandoLOS.