Dawlish residents are being invited to contribute to festive hampers for the crews of the cruise liners that will be moored off the coast over Christmas.

For the last few months several huge ships that would normally accommodate thousands of passengers and staff have been anchored in Torbay and Lyme Bay with skeleton crews, after Covid-19 put a stop to cruise holidays.

After learning that six liners owned by P&O and Holland America Line would be staying for the Christmas period, residents of Torbay set up a collection to brighten up the festive period for those stranded on board, away from their families.

The residents felt that the ships and their crews had become part of the community, donating to food banks and helping to mark Remembrance Sunday by sounding their horns.

How Dawlish got involved

When Dawlish resident Vicky Bridle heard about the Torbay appeal, she decided to invite Dawlish residents to play their part.

She said: "I got involved purely because I saw the post on Facebook and noticed there weren't any collection points in Dawlish.

"Knowing how much my family had loved looking out at the ships during both lockdowns and knowing others in Dawlish felt the same, I offered to be a collection point for Dawlish.

"All Dawlish schools, Gatehouse, Westcliff, Dawlish College and Orchard Manor have responded amazingly and I know children will be making cards to send to the crews on board.

"The response from the people of Dawlish has been overwhelmingly positive and gifts have already been donated. The ships that will be with us over Christmas haven't been confirmed yet."

What should I donate?

The plan is to put together a hamper for each cruise liner, and people are being asked to donate small gifts.

The crew don't need any food or alcohol, but special treats such as sweets and chocolate would be welcome, as would tinsel and battery-powered lights to decorate the crew members' cabins.

The hampers will also include more everyday items such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, razors and socks, along with local souvenirs such as fridge magnets and pens.

People are asked not to donate anything too heavy, and not to address their gifts to a specific ship, as the items will be divided fairly between the hampers.

Donations can be taken to Vicky's home at 4, Mayflower Close, Dawlish EX7 0BR, where there will be a collection box.

The deadline for donations is Saturday, December 12.

For people living in other local towns, the collection points are:

Brixham: Bev Moulden, 1 Burton Villa Close, TQ59JB, or Lynn Cardrick, 84 North Boundary Road, TQ5 8LQ; or Helen Price, 22 Elizabeth Avenue, TQ5 0AY.

Paignton: Clare Daines, 45 Primley Park, TQ3 3JS

Torquay: Beth Pye, 2 Upton Hill, TQ1 3EW or Jenny Pye, 381 Teignmouth Road, TQ1 4RR.

Teignmouth: Emma Rosermond-Draper, 4 Hillside Close, TQ14 9XE.