A TAVISTOCK taxi company which put together a collection of essentials to take to residents affected by the major flooding in the Somerset Levels this week paid tribute to the huge support shown by the public and local businesses.

Richard and Carole Nally of Jaycars Taxis started their collection at Morrisons at 8.30am on Saturday morning and by 9am they had already collected three trolley-loads of donated toiletries, cleaning products and foods for the van.

Carole said: 'Several people made special trips to the store with bedding, towels, utensils, wellies, waders, pet food and crockery.

'By midday Richard had to go and unload the MPV into our lounge as it was full of bedding, clothing and towels.

'We finished at 4pm having unloaded approximately 15 trolley loads of food into the bigger van.

'The support received from the people of Tavistock was fantastic.'

The goods were delivered to the relief distribution centre in Bridgwater on Sunday.

Carole said: 'We would like to say a special thank you for the much needed waders that were donated and a special thank you to the lady who presented Trevor of Jaycars Taxis with a large cheque during the week. Rest assured this has been safely delivered to the relief fund.'

Carole said Jaycars would like to thank everyone who helped or donated goods on Saturday and to Trevor who helped with the collections and loading.

Richard Nally said both the van and the people carrier were crammed to the roof with clothes, blankets and food.

'It was phenomenal, unbelievable really,' he said. 'When we got to Bridgwater they were gobsmacked by the amount of stuff we brought in.

'The homes of those living on the Somerset Levels have been under water for two and a half months — the people cannot even feed their animals so we were delighted we could do something to help.'

Thanks were expressed to Jackie Fry at Morrisons; Mandy and James of Tavistock Bathrooms and Tiles who gave the van and tank of fuel for deliveries; Andy Maddock of Andy Maddock Wall and Floor Tiling who donated fuels cost and drove the van; The Pasty House, Tavistock which donated several crates of drinks; Tavistock Carpets who donated carpet; Ron's Pets, Tavistock who donated pet foods and Cornwall Farmers who had a collection in-store

FCC Environment, Okehampton  and Travis Perkins, Tavistock donated wet weather clothing.

Brian Higgins of Rentaford has offered the use of a van for further deliveries; Dartmoor Photographic supplied printed images and posters free of charge; Chris Fenner of Dart Print Limited donated leaflets; Lamerton Village Hall donated crockery; the residents of Silent Woman Park, Moorshop, gave various generous donations; Tavistock Garage Doors also gave a generous donation.

Kirsty Maddock, Mandy Greening, Debbie Fyfe, Ashleigh and Alfie and Betty Shepherd were thanked for their help on the day.