Organisations across our patch have stepped up to the mark since news that hundreds of thousands of people had been displaced from their homes in Ukraine.

One of the effects of the Russian invasion has been that around a million people have now been forced to seek asylum outside their country.

Many, including families with young children, had to leave their homes with little more than the clothes they were wearing.

So a wide range of items are needed to help ensure they can at least look after themselves as they find safety from the effects of the war.

Local appeal : My 1st Years, a children's gift brand based in Northampton, has launched an open-ended appeal for items. Its offices at 4 Cheaney Drive, Grange Park NN4 5FB are open from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, for people to drop off donations. Anyone who might struggle to take donations there, or who has bulk items to donate, should contact richard@my1styears.com or call 07599912721.

For more information on help that is available in Northampton, please click here