A former homeless man who launched a campaign to help people living on the streets this Christmas says he has been overwhelmed by the response.

Peter Bonney and his wife Carol have collected dozens of bin bags full of sleeping bags, clothing and blankets.

They delivered their first 10 bags to the Gap Project, a drop-in centre for homeless people, in Park End Street, Oxford, last week.

Mr and Mrs Bonney covered their house in Nuffield Road, Oxford, with Christmas decorations to raise awareness of their appeal.

Mr Bonney, 69, said: "We're delivering them and picking them up all the time. We collect all year around but this is a special appeal - a big push for Christmas."

This is the third year the former seaman, who lived on the streets 30 years ago, has been collecting for the homeless, and he said he had received the best response yet.

Mr Bonney said: "It's got better, there is no doubt about it. We can go out and come back and the bins will be full.

"It's fabulous but we still need lots more - there is always someone that we need to go and look after.

"They were all really pleased and surprised that we're still collecting. It's been a brilliant response.

"They really appreciate it. That's our reward - we like to see their faces light up."

Mr and Mrs Bonney have set up four bins outside their house in Wood Farm where presents can be dropped off at any time of the day.

The couple do not want money, only practical items, including sleeping bags, duvets, small tents, shoes, clothing, frying pans, small cookers, underwear, toothbrushes and shaving equipment, as well as tinned food, dry food, biscuits, confectionery, soft drinks and tea and coffee.

As well as the Gap Project, Mr and Mrs Bonney have also distributed items to the Gatehouse in St Michael's Street and the night shelter in Luther Court, Oxford.

Mr Bonney added: "Since the decorations have gone up we have received dozens of bags. We're overwhelmed."

Paul Reid, team leader at the Gap, said: "We're really grateful. Without the support of community members we would struggle in providing additional funding for clothes and food parcels which go directly to our client group.

"We rely on community-based organisations and individuals to donate."