Homeless charity Emmaus has collected more than 2,500 socks to help the town’s rough sleepers beat the cold.

Donated by the people of Ipswich, who rummaged through their clothes draws to come up with the substantial number, the socks were handed in at the organisation’s store in Sailmakers Shopping Centre.

The growing pile of items is now being used to help those at risk of being out on the streets.

Operations manager at Emmaus, Claire Staddon, said: “We asked people to sock it to us and they certainly did – the response has been fantastic.

“We received so many socks and plenty of items of underwear too, all brand new, and that’s all important for people who are in danger of being out on the streets.

“We have also collected £400 for Help Our Homeless Ipswich which is a group of local charities, including Emmaus, which aim to tackle the problem of homelessness and raise its profile.”