An Ipswich theatre has been able to donate hundreds of items gifted by its audience to help tackle homelessness.

Those watching the West End show Come From Away donated food and personal items to the Ipswich Housing Action Group (ihAg) charity which helps people affected by homelessness in Ipswich.

More than 70 crates of items will now be distributed to support them and Ipswich Borough Council's partner agencies including Ipswich Outreach for the many months ahead.

Another community appeal was started by Theatrical Lydia blogger Lydia Greatrix as part of her role as an ambassador for Pay It Forward 9/11.

The charity was set up to honour those who lost their lives in the attacks at the World Trade Centre in 2001.

The goals of the charity are doing good deeds for strangers, restoring kindness, and inspiring acts of generosity and community spirit.

The appeal echoes the show’s heartwarming real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Gander, Canada during the wake of 9/11 and the tales from the small community who took them in and helped them feel at home.

Ipswich Borough Councillor Jane Riley said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to everybody who contributed to this donation drive in support of people affected by homelessness in Ipswich.

“We were truly amazed by the amount of donations given by our wonderful audiences and colleagues.”

Chief executive officer at Ipswich Housing Action Group Jools Ramsey-Palmer added: “I am absolutely blown away by the generosity of everyone who came along to see Come From Far Away.

“Every night, items appeared from pockets, and handbags and carrier bags, and even when it poured with rain, people arrived with items that they were willing to donate to people they will never meet.

“The level of kindness and humanity on show was truly humbling, and I’m extremely grateful to every single person who felt able to take part.”