Businessman leads collection for Jamaican hometown

Damian Simpson started the campaign to help those living in his former hometown

People in a Worcestershire town have come together to support their twinned parish in Jamaica to collect and ship essential supplies to families affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Since 2006, the Redditch borough has been twinned with the St Elizabeth area where towns like Black River and Brompton have suffered heavy damage in the category five hurricane. It has claimed the lives of at least 28 people on the island.

Damian Simpson, who is originally from Black River but now runs a business in Redditch, has led the campaign.

"A lot of us in Redditch know people who are affected by this. Every contribution helps big or small," he said.

Mr Simpson added: "Thank you to everyone who has donated or is thinking of donating.

"A lot more is needed and you're very welcome, please just come talk to us."

Essential items needed include rice, sugar, flour, tinned goods, pasta, toothpaste, batteries and sanitary products.

Donations can be dropped off until Saturday 15 November at D&D Roofing Supplies or at Greenlands Business Centre.

Discussing the collection, Redditch Borough councillor Monica Stringfellow said: "It is wonderful to see so many people coming together to support our Jamaican community and that this council is a part of that."