STAFF at a Darlington women's refuge have thanked a recruitment company which has donated presents to victims of domestic violence.

Two of the staff at Darlington and District Women's Refuge collected gifts for the women from recruitment consultants Manpower, in Darlington.

The charity is the adopted local charity for the company's Darlington branch.

Presents for the women and children at the refuge included toiletries, toys and sweets, which were given to celebrate Manpower's 50th birthday.

A spokeswoman for the refuge, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, said: "It is important to them that other people are thinking about them at a time when they are so vulnerable. Just to know people in the wider community are thinking about them at this difficult time is great.

"Anything is something special to them because they have left so many personal things in their own home."

Manpower is planning more events for the charity this summer. As well as a safe refuge for domestic violence victims, the charity provides outreach services.

Anyone who would like to talk to someone about domestic violence can call (01325) 364486 in office hours or contact police, social services or The Samaritans out of hours.