THE homeless in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft will receive blankets, toiletries and meals following a police donation to the Salvation Army.

It comes after the decision to close custody facilities at Lowestoft police station and open a new Police Investigation Centre in Yarmouth.

While the majority of the equipment has passed onto the new station, there were still some items left over, which were passed onto the charity for distribution throughout the town.

Major Barry Willson, from the Lowestoft Citadel, visited the town's Police Station on Thursday December 8 to officially collect the items.

He said: 'These items are like gold dust to us. We have drop in facilities for the homeless and vulnerable in both Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth and all these items will be put to good use, nothing will go to waste. A warm blanket and a hot meal can mean a lot to those who have very little and it is particularly good to receive donations like this in the run up to Christmas.'

Among the items handed over were toothbrushes, sachets of soap, shampoo and toothpaste, and disposable plates and cups. Anyone who may have a similar stock of items they could donate or anyone who would like to make a donation towards the work of the Salvation Army this Christmas can do so by emailing barry.willson@salvationarmy.org.uk.