THE people of Winchester showed their generosity in the face of the refugee crisis with a huge collection in the city.

Donors turned out in their droves on Sunday to donate toiletries, shoes and warm clothing for camps on the Greek island of Kos.

Now the woman behind the local Kos Kindess Appeal is looking for a warehouse to cope with the unprecedented flood of supplies.

Roshi Ingram, from Longstock, said people travelled from as far as Blandford and Bournemouth, bringing vans full of goods to help what she described as a "hub for Hampshire and beyond".

"We were expecting probably a third of what turned up," she said. "It's unbelievable the amount of stuff we've got.

"I'm just absolutely in awe of everybody's generosity and kindness."

The campaign has raised more than half of its £2,500 fundraising target in a few days, with £100 cash donations made on Sunday.

Donations are still being welcomed by groups and businesses around Winchester district.

"It's become a big operation so my big job is to try and look around and find warehousing," Ms Ingram added.

The group is seeking space near Winchester or Andover to unpack, lay out and repackage donations to be shipped to Kos.

Meanwhile, Winchester City Council is waiting to hear whether it will be asked to take any refugee families. The government has indicated it will continue its policy of housing most refugees in areas with lower living costs.

Leader Cllr Stephen Godfrey said: "We will continue to meet the needs of our residents and we do not expect that Syrian refugees – however many we are eventually asked to support - will have any noticeable impact on our normal service.

"We will be working with our partners and the generous people of Winchester to provide shelter for these victims of an atrocious situation."

For more information on Kos Kindness, a list of collection points and the latest items required, visit facebook.com/winchesterandandovercollectionpoint.

The fundraising page can be found at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/roshanak-ingram-1.