A concerted effort is being organised in Coalville to deliver supplies to refugees from Ukraine - with the project being overseen by the Marlene Reid Centre.

With Ukrainian nationals leaving their country due to the current Russian military action, the UK public have been collecting what they can to send to refugees.

Coalville has now set up a system for collecting donations over the next week or so.

County Councillor Craig Smith plans to drive to the Ukraine border with the donated supplies and he explained in a social media post what will happen.

He said: "Over the last few days several local businesses have been co-ordinating with each other to collect donations for the Ukrainian refugees.

"The Marlene Reid Centre - which will be the main collection hub - is overseeing the project.

"On Sunday, March 13, myself and Paul Botterill, of JB Tool & Plant Hire Ltd, will depart Coalville for the Ukraine border to deliver these much needed relief packages.

"A massive thank you goes out to Clarendon Freight Ltd who have supplied us with the vehicle for the mission.

"MRC will open its Collection Depot this Saturday, March 5 - at the rear of the MRC car park.

"If you wish to donate before this, you can drop off at

• The Snibstone New Inn

• The Coal Bunker

• Hermitage FM

• Stealth Black Belt Academy

"It's vitally important that you only donate the following items:

Miscellaneous

• Batteries

• Flash lights

• Reusable table wear

• Cooking Cauldrons

General First Aid Kits

• Bandages

• Field Dressings

• Tourniquets

• Paper Towels

• Antibacterial Fluids

•Medical Spirit

All kinds of instant foods

• Cuppa Soups

• Breakfast cereals

• Energy Bars

• Dried Fruits

• Canned Meat or Fish

• Pasta

Toiletries

• Toothbrushes

• Toothpaste

• Wet Wipes

• Nappies

• Sanitary towels/Tampons

• Bars of Soap

• Shower Gels