THOUSANDS of warm clothes and household items were handed to needy families in a huge winter giveaway.

The Winter Warmers event in Dovercourt saw residents donate clothes and shoes as well as bedding and baby items for members of the community struggling to afford to keep warm this winter.

A pop-up shop was then held at the fire station in Fronks Road, staffed by volunteers.

Les Nicoll, Essex Fire Service community builder and organiser of the pop-up shop, said: "In five days at Dovercourt Fire Station we gave away over 7,500 items including winter coats, school uniforms, pyjamas, dressing-gowns, underclothes, baby clothes and nappies.

"There were also quilts, quilt covers, blankets, towels, saucepans, crockery, cutlery, kettles and toasters.

"This supported a total of over 1,100 individuals’ families and children.

"All of our visitors were offered tea/coffee, cakes and biscuits - delicious cakes were delivered every day by the wonderful Jay Barham which were shared by visitors and volunteers."

All the items are given away for free, with no proof of need required.

But Mr Nicoll said there were still people who felt too embarrassed to visit and collect items they desperately need.

He added: "I had heard that so many families in need were too embarrassed to come along.

"I am so sorry I could not persuade them of our good intentions and my biggest commitment to never judge.

"I promise I will dwell more on those we did not reach than self-congratulate on those we did."

Mr Nicoll thanked the 40 volunteers who gave up their time to run the shop last week and all of the members of the public who donated.

Some clothing has been given to agencies to help those preparing for interviews to get back to work, as well as to social care across the county and to schools.

Shoppers were also pointed in the right direction for debt advice, back to work advice and for free smoke alarms.

He said: "The most important thing was that this was a community action which apart from a few labels and string, cost absolutely nothing.

"No funding was required, just support from a great community." The Winter Warmers appeal was created after Mr Nicoll found families were struggling to afford basic items such as quilt covers, underwear for children and warm clothes and shoes for the cold months.