Now that three garages have been filled to the brim with donations for Syrian refugees, organisers of the group, StAlbansForRefugees (StAR), are looking for people to help sort through the mountains of clothes before their trip to Calais at the end of the month.

Liz Needham, who helped start the group last month, is calling on locals to keep the generosity flowing and volunteer a few hours or an afternoon, either at the weekends or during the week, at one of the garages in St Albans or in Letchworth.

At the most recent StAR meeting, the group decided that they would travel further than Calais and to another refugee camp on the continent. It was also decided that StAR would become a registered charity in order to provide support and friendship to Syrian refugees who settle in Hertfordshire.

To raise the much-needed funds to pay for the trip across the Channel, the Magician’s Nephew Band will be performing at the Clock Tower in St Albans on Saturday (17), with all the proceeds going toward StAR.

Later, on October 29, the winners of St Albans Got Talent, Purple Day, will be playing a benefit gig at the Farmers Boy alongside headliners Grae J Wall and the Trailer Trash Orchestra and Hidden Jules.

To get in touch with StAR and volunteer, visit StAlbansForRefugees.co.uk or call Liz Needham on 01727 860177.