SO many toys have been given by people in Didcot for children in Albania that crew members from the town's adopted ship, HMS Roebuck, had to make two 500-mile round trips from Plymouth to collect them.

Able Seaman Adam Verrall with town clerk Julia Underwood, and Petty Officer Jeremy Grove

Petty Officer Jeremy Grove said: "There was a fantastic response.

"Save the Children has agreed to distribute the gifts to orphanages and schools in northern Albania."

Didcot mayor Jeremy Goff launched the appeal on behalf of the crew. Because of the size of the ship, he appealed for smaller toys, including bears and dolls.

HMS Roebuck is about to leave for international exercises in the Mediterranean.