REFUGEES throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East will benefit greatly following a “very successful” collection event hosted by charitable group, Farnham Help for Refugees.

The event, which sprung to life thanks to Hannah Rand, Alessia Mestrone and Katie Thomas from South Farnham, and Karen Hutchinson, former vicar of St Thomas-on-the Bourne, saw flocks of people coming in and out throughout the day, donating items for those in need.

Farnham Help for Refugees is a group of residents who wish to give humanitarian assistance to refugees coming into the UK, travelling across Europe and in camps in the Middle East.

The donations are distributed by the Red Cross and other groups and agencies across the Middle East, Europe and the UK. This was the fifth collection arranged by the group since coming together in 2015.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a successful collection, once again our local community came together to help refugees in need,” commented group members.

“To those who came to help sort on the day, donated their old clothes, bought toiletries or sourced boxes for us, we are very grateful, thank you.

“Two large vans filled with your donations were taken to the aid group ‘High Wycombe Helping Others’ who will send the aid directly to those in need in Syria.

“A full car load of toiletries and nappies has also been taken to the British Red Cross in Portsmouth to help refugees in this country.

“We expect to arrange another collection in the coming months. More information will be posted closer to the time on our Facebook page ‘Farnham Help for Refugees’.”