A TONNE of tins have been collected by a homeless charity.

The April Centre, in Mersea Road, Colchester, appealed for food donations last month. A collection outside the Petrolea Close Asda store on Saturday saw shoppers donate 12 trolley-loads of tins, helping the appeal reach its one-tonne target.

The food will be served at the charity’s day centre in Colne Bank Avenue, or in food parcels for the homeless.

Amy Hassell, day centre manager, said: “It will make a huge difference. The day centre is getting busier all the time, so it’s a massive boost to be able to offer all this lovely food.”