People leave clothes around Taunton for the homeless - I Am Not Lost campaign

The clothing has been left on lampposts, railings and park gates by generous donors as part of an 'I Am Not Lost' campaign.

Several of the items, accompanied by notes inviting anyone stuck in the cold to help themselves, have been gratefully claimed by rough sleepers as temperatures dropped below freezing this week.

Rosie Hather, of Taunton Association for the Homeless, has welcomed the initiative.

She said: "The I Am Not Lost project is a lovely gesture and will certainly help those out in the cold who are in need of a little extra warmth.

"We’re also very grateful for the awareness it is raising, alerting members of the public to the fact that there are homeless people in the community that need our help.

"We hope that it will inspire others to make a donation to their local homeless charity, to help us to support these vulnerable individuals.

"As the temperature drops and Christmas is upon us, it is even more important for us to ensure the homeless are receiving the support they need."

Rosie Hather.

Taunton Deane Borough Council has a severe weather policy to ensure that if the temperature dips below 0 degrees C, anyone sleeping outside will have access to some form of accommodation.

Miss Hather added: "We work alongside the council to ensure there’s space for everyone, even if it’s a blow up bed on the floor.

"We make sure we have large amounts of sleeping bags and hats, gloves to give out to those in need.

"But all of this we cannot do without the support of the kind community and volunteers such as those who are involved with I Am Not Lost.”