The people of Helston have been doing their bit for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines over the last week.

Over five days at the town’s Tesco store, the Helston and Lizard Rotary Club collected more than £7,100 for local charity Shelterbox, and then spent Monday collecting at Sainsbury’s.

Shelterbox has been working in the Philippines since the typhoon struck, as they already had a Response Team in place following an earthquake in the area, and is understood to have two more teams on the way.

Another Helston based charity, Shelter for Humanity, has also sent a six man response team to the region.

Andrew George, MP for St Ives, said: “Helston can be proud that it is making a real difference to people’s lives in a country where it is proving that aid is difficult to get through.”

The British Red Cross were also at Tesco stores across Cornwall, including the Helston branch, on Saturday and Sunday, collecting money for their own mission to the region.

Rebecca Shelley, Tesco Group corporate affairs director, said: “We have all been moved by the terrible suffering in the Philippines and readily offer our support to the British Red Cross to raise funds for the relief effort.

“I know our customers and colleagues will give their time and money generously, as they always have when there are people in need. I want to thank them in advance for their support, which will change many lives for the better.”