Donations for domestic abuse survivors flooded a south Powys charity just before Christmas during their annual shoebox appeal.

Calan Domestic Violence Services gives specialist support to men, women and children who have been affected by domestic violence across Radnorshire, Brecon and its surrounding areas down to Ystradgynlais.

The shoebox appeal is a collection of donations for women and children who have left abusive environments and are currently living in safe temporary accommodation with Calan DVS.

The boxes were filled with gifts for the women and children including clothes, toiletries, cosmetics and children’s toys.

PSCO Lee Garrett from Crickhowell, who is an active supporter of Calan DVS, helped the organisation to collect the parcels and transport them to the charity’s office in Brecon.

He said: "When I saw how many parcels there were, I thought I might have to call for back up. Seriously, it’s a pleasure to play Santa. The Calan team are always so grateful for the support, especially at Christmas time."

Another of the charity’s main supporters is the Abergavenny based company SYNLAB, which is described as an "expert in clinical laboratory services", donated 70 parcels towards the collection.

Moira Parfitt of Calan DVS said: "The appeal was for those women and children so they could have presents. SYNLAB have been a great supporter for our organisation, not just at Christmas, but throughout the whole year.

"PSCO Lee Garrett is particularly active with supporting us. He helped us to collect the donations - he is fantastic, and we really appreciate all of his help.

"Many women and children arrive with literally just the clothes they are standing in. The donations we receive for them are amazing - it really is a lifeline for them and the work we do."

The Brecon shop Ty Cariad were also involved in the appeal as they donated enough Christmas gifts to all the women who are currently in the refuge.

Calan DVS tweeted: "A big thank you to Emma from ’Team Cariad’ of the Ty Cariad store in Brecon who very kindly gave a donation of Christmas gifts for every woman currently in our Brecon refuge. Emma says this is the first time she has given to us, but she will definitely do it again next Christmas!"

The charity offers a variety of services including emergency temporary accommodation, community services for survivors going back to live in the community and specialist support for children.

They will be launching a new project called "Inspiring Families" in the new year which Moira described as an innovative, intervention and assessment programme which she said will help to strengthen and stabilise families who experience domestic violence.

Calan DVS accept donations all year around for their refuge as a lot of the people who arrive have very little.

Items which they need at the moment include single bedding, womens’ slippers, sanitary products and toiletries.

For more information about the services available from Calan DVS or about making a donation, visit the Calan DVS website or call 01874 625146.