FREIGHT specialist Connect Group has donated more than 500 items including coats, sleeping bags, blankets, food packages and more to vulnerable people in Oxford.

In its fourth year, the campaign known as Pass It On, has seen more than 5,000 items donated across the country.

Volunteers visited the city centre last week beginning their journey in Broad Street.

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Pass it On is part of a national initiative, which brings together colleagues from the Connect Group, that includes Smiths News.

Oxford Mail:

Jon Bunting, interim CEO of Connect Group, said: “Every garment and item donated to the campaign is so important in the short term to help support people who are homeless.

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"In the winter months, with the low temperatures, it is even more critical that we ensure as many sleeping bags, coats and blankets, as well as other essential items reach those in need."

The city council has spent millions of pounds addressing the issue of rough sleeping as the problem has got worse in recent years.

A new £1.9m shelter opened at Floyds Row off St Aldates earlier this month and last year a £3m shelter opened in Rymers Lane, Cowley.

Agencies across the city are working hard to tackle the problem, together with the Oxford Homeless Movement.