BARNSLEY College has donated more than £4,000 worth of essential supplies to support the homeless and rough sleeping community in the town.

Staff and students joined forces to fill 27 rucksacks and numerous carrier bags with winter clothing, toiletries and food, all donated to the Rucksack Project.

The scheme, run by the Barnsley Churches Drop-in Project, aims to support local people during the challenging winter months.

Chair Peter Mulrooney said: “People who are homeless, sleeping rough or sofa surfing rely on essentials such as rucksacks, clothing, food and other daily items to get by.

“These often wear out, become damaged or are stolen, so regular replacements are vital.

“The college’s generous donation means a great deal to us.

“It’s a clear sign that students and staff understand the challenges faced by people in Barnsley and are committed to supporting their community.”

Gavin Batty, deputy chief executive officer at Barnsley College, added: “Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our students and staff, we’ve surpassed last year’s total, increasing our donation from 22 to 27 rucksacks.

“This achievement reflects the strong community spirit within our College and the way our teams come together to make a difference.

“Everyone involved in collecting these donations should be proud, their efforts will have a genuine impact on people in our local community.”