Last Saturday, the town turned out in force to support the Rotary Club appeal on behalf of those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Collectors, aged from 5 to 85, were joined by the managers and staff of The Green Dragon, The Pub, The Vintage, and C&C Carpets who, together with Rotary and Inner Wheel members and friends, collected over £1500 in just a few hours.

A further £220 was added to the collection on Monday.

A spokesperson for the Rotary Club of Wellington said: "The people of Wellington, Rockwell Green and surrounding villages can be rightly proud of this huge effort that will make a difference to many suffering families.

"Every penny collected will be used to provide direct aid to the stricken areas."

Tens of thousands of people have died in the earthquakes which struck Turkey and Syria a week ago. Many survivors are without shelter in freezing conditions, and an international relief effort is under way to provide help.