The death of a homeless man in Falmouth last Wednesday has prompted one woman to start a collection of bedding, clothes and other useful items which will be distributed to those in need on the streets of the town in the run up to Christmas.

Police cordoned off Brook Street last Wednesday morning after the body of a man was found in the doorway of the Salvation Army shortly after 8.30am. The police and ambulance were called and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The next day Paula, who lives in Old Hill, sprang into action and posted on her Facebook page saying: "I would like to ensure that a tragedy like this doesn't happen again. I'm planning on making some Christmas parcels and need as much help as possible."

Unsure how people would react to the appeal, Paula was overwhelmed at the response which has seen donations flood in from those keen to support the homeless, especially as the temperatures plummet.

"The response was instant," said Paula. "It just went crazy - we had two tablets and two mobile phones going off. People have been dropping bags full of stuff to the house and we've been out collecting items."

Paula is appealing for donations of sleeping bags, duvets, blankets, clothing, shoes, zip-up waterproof bags, toiletries, bottled water and food. She'd also like Thermos flasks so she can make stews and deliver hot food to those living out in the open.

Mum of four, Paula is not just relying on donations to help the homeless. She often spends her own money buying essentials, such as face wipes and hand sanitisers, insulated foil blankets and food for both the human homeless and their canine companions.

"It just breaks my heart seeing people living like this," she said. "I have always looked after people and it's just freezing out there now. It's just too cold for them to be living like this."

Paula and partner Nick plan to create care packages from the donations they receive which will be given to the town's homeless in a bid to make life a little more comfortable for them.

Anyone who would like to contribute something to the collection is asked to email Paula at boniface.munden@gmail.com.