Warm response to clothes plea

People from across East Sussex and Kent donated items worth almost £,1500 including coats, boots, gloves, hats and scarves.

Pestalozzi students, who come from disadvantaged communities in Africa, Asia and South America, were delighted with their new outfits.

Justin Mushitu from Zambia said: “I need the clothes to keep warm – I am from a very hot country! As a teenager, the clothes I wear can also make it easier for me to fit into my new society. In this complete opposite and foreign land, far from home, receiving these clothes makes me extremely happy – I feel like part of a bigger community. My favourite items are the gloves because the cold can be really painful sometimes.”

Marketing officer Jonathan Williams said: “We’ve had everyone from school groups to grandparents and business owners bringing in warm clothes – some all the way from Tonbridge and Eastbourne. It’s very heartening for our students, as the generosity shown by the community helps to welcome them to the UK. We’d like to thank everyone who has donated, as well as the local media.”