Scarves, ear warmers and more than 80 hats have been collected as part of a campaign to help the homeless and those in need.

Lowestoft Journal: The YMCA Trinity Group donates hats for the homeless. The 82 hats. Picture: Courtesy of YMCA Trinity GroupThe YMCA Trinity Group donates hats for the homeless. The 82 hats. Picture: Courtesy of YMCA Trinity Group (Image: Archant)

The YMCA Trinity Group collected 85 hats, nine scarves and two ear warmers this week – with a number of the hats distributed to the Salvation Army.

With the South Lowestoft Salvation Army hosting a Christmas meal on Saturday, December 23 at the Lowestoft South church in Carlton Road, when they will feed around 40 people who are either homeless or suffering mental health or drug and alcohol issues, they will give a gift bag to each of those in attendance – and the hats will form part of the gift bag. Penny Cleveley, senior youth project worker at YMCA Trinity Group, said: 'I would like to thank everyone who has knitted and everyone who has supported us so far.'

The campaign continues over Christmas with last collections at the end of February. The collection points are at Southwold Library, Lowestoft Library and the Children's Society charity shop in Beccles.