ILKLEY people are being asked to donate warm clothing to help children in families who cannot afford to heat their homes.

The No Child Cold Campaign is appealing for donations of hats, scarves, jumpers, warm socks and blankets.

A spokeswoman said: "Circumstances have changed for many due to the high levels of redundancies and furlough that have been brought on by the pandemic. With temperatures during this lockdown frequently dropping below zero, some families are finding themselves in a difficult financial situation unable to heat their homes. Simply put, an estimated 21,000 children are learning remotely, are bitterly cold and unable to concentrate on their school work"

Businesses and individuals across the district have already raised £17,000. Clothes should be new in packaging or nearly new and freshly washed before packing into plastic bags. They should be labelled with the age of the child and whether it is suitable for a boy, girl or both. They can be dropped off at Winter Gardens, Station Road, Ilkley, LS29 8HB, Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm , collection outside if the building is locked. Email info@nochildcold.org to become a drop-off point.