A HAMPER has travelled all over the south west in classic cars to collect items for needy families.

The North Wiltshire branch of the Morris Minor Owners' Club held a hamper relay, collecting food for Swindon Night Shelter to distribute to vulnerable people.

Morris Minor enthusiasts across Swindon and North Wiltshire contributed food items to the hamper before driving it to the next participant.

Club chairman Bill Reed said: “The idea was to be able to get our cars out, do something for charity and have a bit of fun.”

Starting on October 22 the hamper travelled a total of 123 miles between Swindon, Cirencester, Standlake near Witney, Castle Eaton, Wroughton and back to Swindon, involving 12 participants.

“I was really pleased with the response to the idea,” said Bill.

“When it was put forward I thought it was great but wondered whether other people would be up for it, and everybody jumped at it.”

Driven exclusively in Morris Minor vehicles, the hamper filled up with tinned and dried food with each handover.

“There were packets of food, tins, beans, soup, pasta,” said Bill.

“The sorts of things that really are staples for people in need.”

The idea was the brainchild of Mike Welsh, a new member to the club and headteacher at Goddard Park Primary School in Swindon.

He said: “I joined just after the first lockdown, as I have three young children and they all get in the back of the Morris Minor convertible we have.

“The Morris Minor Owners' Club are brilliant and have been very thoughtful in engaging members during this tough time we are all going through.”

Mike’s wife Veronicah is also a member of the Swindon Satellite Rotary Club, which provided the hamper.

Their chair Carmen Franklin said: “We were delighted to assist with the Morris Minor Hamper Relay as it is a way of helping others at this challenging time.”

The relay was cut short because of the second lockdown, and the hamper reached its destination last Wednesday.

It was handed over to the Swindon Night Shelter, which is are giving out food boxes to struggling families during the virus pandemic.

“It goes with our best wishes to the Swindon Night Shelter,” added Bill.

“We’re looking forward to doing a second relay as soon as we’re out of lockdown or in the new year,” he said.

The North Wiltshire branch of the Morris Minor Owners' Club was originally founded as the Moonrakers Minors and will celebrate its 40th birthday next year.