A TAUNTON-based charity that has helped thousands of refugees is on the move as its current building is set to be demolished.

Refugee Aid From Taunton (RAFT) is leaving the Auction House, on Firepool, where it set up in 2015.

It plans to open up again next month in new premises on the Crown Industrial Estate, off Priorswood Road.

Its current home, which is owned by Somerset West and Taunton Council, is being knocked down as part of the development of the former cattle market at Firepool.

The charity has sent hundreds of shipments of donations such as clothes, food and medicine abroad and in this country.

RAFT founder Federica Smith-Roberts said: "We're so lucky that the council has given us the Auction House.

"We're in the process of moving and hope to open in new premises in April.

"We'll be continuing to do all we can to help refugees and are also supporting the Ukraine appeal."

RAFT redistributes donations to refugees displaced by conflicts, such as in Syria.

Aid has been handed to resettled families in Somerset and also sent to countries offering a safe haven to refugees such as in Greece, France and Africa.

The charity helps other organisations and charities around Taunton, including homeless charities such as Arc and Open Door, Taunton Food Bank and St Giles Animal Rescue.