A BASINGSTOKE store is acting as a collection point for donations for a nine-year-old’s appeal for winter clothing to donate to homeless charities.

Cohen Roberts, from Thatcham, has launched his Togs and Tents appeal after he was left shocked by the sheer amount of homeless people living on the streets during a recent family trip to London.

Following research into local homeless charities and with the help of his mum, Cohen decided to appeal for winter coats, sleeping bags and small tents.

Now, GO Outdoors Basingstoke is acting as a collection point for donations while the outdoor specialists are showing support by offering a 10% discount on clothing to anyone who donates winter clothing, outdoor shoes, small tents or sleeping bags to the cause.

About the campaign, Cohen said: “I was really sad to see so many people without a home. They were just sleeping on the freezing cold floor and some didn’t even have any covers.

“My mum told me that people can become homeless for all sorts of reasons. I couldn’t stop thinking about how unhappy I would be if I was them so I decided to help.”

Matt Robinson, GO Outdoors Regional Manager, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be a part of such an important cause and is great to see so much support for it.

“At only nine-years-old, Cohen is an inspiration and we could all learn a thing or two from his generosity and determination to make a difference to other people’s lives.”

All donations will go to the Camrose Centre in Basingstoke and Loose Ends charity in Newbury.

For more information, go to facebook.com/TogsandTents.