ORGANISERS have been so overwhelmed by the town's response to the Redditch Round Table's Italian earthquake appeal that they had to close it down.

Redditch residents donated blankets, clothing, pots and pans after an urgent request by the Round Table last week.

But people have sent in so many gifts that the organisers have said they can't take anymore until volunteers sort out what they have already been given.

"The response has been overwhelming," said Mr John Tapson, Round Table chairman.

"In fact there has been such a lot of stuff that we have had to close down the appeal because we can't cope with what we have got.

Gifts from the town's contribution to the appeal have already been airlifted to Italy along with 59 tons of goods from the West Midlands area.

But Mr Tapson said there were still 10 tons of goods donated by the town waiting to be sorted out in a Redditch warehouse.

"All the same, we would like to thank all the people of Redditch who responded so generously," said Mr Tapson.