Islington Town Hall today opened a donation centre in support of refugees and migrants living in camps in Calais.

Islington Council is working with humanitarian aid charity CalAid to deliver supplies to France and help the thousands of people living in “terrible” conditions in Calais.

It comes after an outpouring of concern from Islington residents, with councillors receiving emails and phone calls from people wishing to help.

The scheme has received the backing of Islington North MP and Labour leadership hopeful Jeremy Corbyn, who said: “I am pleased that the council is taking a lead in showing support for the people in Calais who are living in terrible conditions. I would urge everyone to see what they can contribute.”

Cllr Richard Watts, leader of the council, said: “The human suffering taking place in Europe has moved all of us, and I have been overwhelmed by the offers of support from Islington residents.

“On top of pressuring the Government to act, the council wanted to offer local people a way to make a direct contribution to support those people living in camps in Calais.”

Donations are welcome between 8am-8pm, Monday to Sunday.

Items that are particularly welcome include –

Shoes - trainers or hiking shoes (only the most common sizes 41 to 43)

Tents - and covers and tarpaulin

Jackets - size small and medium

Travelling bags

Socks

Candles or any other lighting

Belts

Tracksuit trousers

Jeans - size 28 to 32

Blankets

Sleeping bags

Soap and shampoo

Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Woolly hats

Pants

Pots and pans