FAMILIES fleeing war-torn Ukraine will soon receive food, clothes and emergency supplies thanks to a Cheshire mercy mission.

Staff at Dutton Contractors in Middlewich have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local residents, as well as those from across the county.

The 150-strong workforce launched an appeal at their Brooks Lane warehouse after watching harrowing images of children being forced to leave their homes.

Within six hours, they filled eight big containers.

The first shipment of lorries is now on its way and a convoy of three vans are set to follow.

Steve Bull, health and safety manager, said: “We’ve been blown away by the response. It is better than we could have possibly dreamed.

“We have put together around 100 bulk bags of aid with huge amounts of support from individuals, businesses and charities.

“This has really hit a nerve and the people of Cheshire have really stepped up.”

Northwich Guardian: Food, clothes and emergency supplies are on their way to Ukrainian refugees in PolandFood, clothes and emergency supplies are on their way to Ukrainian refugees in Poland

The company is working with CTR Recycling.

“They have connected us to the Polish Red Cross to ensure that everything that has been donated will benefit Ukrainian refugees in Poland.”

Staff feel humbled by the huge effort from the local community.

“Our managing director Richard Dutton wishes he could thank every single person who has dropped in,” said Steve.

“From the pensioner who came by with £20, and the couple who must have cleared Morrisons out of baby formula, to the charity who arrived with a horsebox full of quality bedding.

“He also wants to say a big thank you to Neil Bambridge in our stores who has worked tirelessly to greet all the visitors, sort and list tens of thousands of donations.”

Northwich Guardian: The warehouse at Dutton Contractors is full of gifts generously donated by the local communityThe warehouse at Dutton Contractors is full of gifts generously donated by the local community

The company has now stopped collecting so they can complete all the necessary legal documents.

Steve said: “Everything that has been donated has to be inventoried, shipping paperwork generated, driven to Ashford in Kent for inspection by the Border Force and sealed for shipping into the EU.

“Thanks to the Guardian for helping to get our message out there. I’m sure our collection wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without the extra publicity you provided.”