Ref. 74402-63 Gail Watling, Mandy Pearce, Jacqui Cook and Henrietta Nettlefold pack boxesAN AIRCRAFT hangar near Swindon has been transformed into a community of volunteers brought together by a wish to help people in Sri Lanka.

The operation at Hangar D1 at RAF Wroughton was the brainchild of local businessman Manolito Chandos, who has been a regular visitor to Sri Lanka.

People from around Wiltshire have been making donations ranging from sleeping bags, clothes, blankets, water and tinned food.

So far tens of thousands of boxes have been packed by volunteers and put onto lorries using a human chain.

At times there have been almost a hundred people helping out in the hangar.

Mr Chandos, of Navaho Ceramics on the Wroughton Business Park, said: "We are absolutely inundated. My heart bleeds for the people who have lost their lives. Wiltshire has opened its heart to these people.

"Everyone has come together in such a great way. One woman told me she would never have believed what she has experienced today. She became very tearful looking at all the medical equipment and blankets and tents. It's absolutely phenomenal.

"Matalan have donated thousands of new pairs of shoes and thousands of shirts and jackets from their clearing centre in Swindon."

With such a massive operation, Wiltshire Fire Brigade stepped in to organise health and safety at the hangar.

Eugene Johnson, assistant chief fire officer, said: "We have set up shelter, light and heating.

"Health and safety is very important in an area where there are children and lorries."

The fire brigade is using its Incident Response Unit for the first time outside training.

Mr Johnson said: "They were designed, ironically, for possible disasters in this country."

A special decontamination shelter has been put to good use with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service hard at work providing refreshments for the volunteers.

Pat Snow, team leader for Swindon and North Wiltshire, said: "We have a contract with the Fire Service and they called us out. It's wonderful how everyone is contributing. We will be here as long as they need us."

Nick Robinson, 42, of Freshbrook, has been volunteering with his son Daniel.

Nick, an operation manager with the RAF, said: "I couldn't give much money, but I wanted to do something. I have old friends in Sri Lanka and I don't know if they are alive or dead."

Daniel, 13, said: "My dad told me it's easy to give but harder to help. When I came here and saw loads of people helping I realised it was fun."

Jacqui Ritchie, 39, of Brinkworth, said: "When we dropped a load of clothes off they asked if we would volunteer. So we stayed for the day and couldn't wait to come back again in the morning. There's a great team spirit here. I get to meet like-minded people and have a great laugh, but it's also serious."

Pete King, 46, a Chippenham businessman is helping organise the transport side of the operation.

He said: "We have had tonnes of clothes and that is more than enough.

"Sri Lankan Airways have told me that what is needed now is tinned food, instant food, especially baby food, bottled water and any drugs, or medical dressings.

"Also we are asking for pledges from hospitals. Even out of date drugs and dressings can be used."

Mr King has been in touch with government departments trying to ensure there is air transport available for the massive quantity of items collected.

He said: "We could double or treble what we have here if we were totally convinced there were flights available."

Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can go along to Unit 7, Wroughton Business Park or Hangar D1 at RAF Wroughton.

For more information call 01793 815266.

David Andrew