GENEROUS Gwent communities have donated toiletries, clothes and food to help Fijian cyclone victims get back on their feet.

The worst storm ever recorded in the southern hemisphere hit the South Pacific archipelago on February 20, bringing winds of over 200mph, torrential rain and waves measuring up to 40ft.

Cyclone Winston destroyed houses, agriculture and power supplies, leaving 42 dead and thousands homeless.

Since the natural disaster, first and second generation Fijians in Newport have organised fundraising events and donation collections to help those affected.

The latest push on Good Friday saw members of the public drop off toiletries, toys, clothes, tinned food and other items at a collection point in Newport's Lower Dock Street.

Amele Tukandra, whose parents moved to the city from Fiji in the 1960s, becoming the first Fijian family to settle in Wales, said: "The response from the public since we asked for their help has been fantastic. We now have 50 large boxes of donations and are nearing the funds we need to pay for a shipping container to take them to Fiji next month.

"I plan to go out to Fiji myself in June, when the container will arrive to make sure our donations go where they are needed.

"People out there are slowly getting back on their feet but it is very hard. Power is still intermittent and they are living off basic food rations which are not always distributed effectively."

Donors in recent weeks have included the Cardiff Blues Choir, who performed for the Fijian rugby team during last year's Rugby World Cup, and the Rogerstone WI, while three runners are taking part in this weekend's Cardiff Half Marathon for the cause.

The final collection will be held at 130 Lower Dock Street on Sunday, April 3, between 10am and 1pm.

Items requested include lightweight clothes and footwear, bedding and towels, candles and torches, antiseptic wipes, paracetamol, toiletries, children’s toys, reading books and stationery, rice, tinned food and flour.

To find out more and to donate, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Funds-For-Fiji-Cyclone-Relief-Efforts.