An overwhelming response to this year's harvest appeal from the west Wiltshire centre for Action on Homelessness has meant the organisation now has at least a 12-month stock of food and can ensure that its clients are served with a nourishing hot meal during the winter months.

Marco van-Tintelen, manager of the day centre in Duke Street, Trowbridge, wrote to all the parishes in west Wiltshire asking for donations at their church harvest festival services in an effort to replenish items such as tea, coffee, sugar, rice and tinned foods.

Mr Van-Tintelen said: "The response is always very good, but this time it has been exceptional and we are very grateful to everyone who has donated."

The centre still has an urgent need for sleeping bags, flasks and good quality warm blankets. Clothing such as socks, shoes and underwear are also welcome.

The centre will be serving a Christmas lunch for about 70 of its clients on December 20 before it closes for the holidays.

The centre will close from December 24 and re-open on January 2, but anyone needing assistance can call the office on (01225) 776606 and leave a message on the answering machine, which will be regularly checked.