A local group dismayed by the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe have formed a group to help those desperately in need.

‘Landed and Stranded’ have been collecting, bundling and shipping essential clothing items to children and teenage refugees in arriving in Greece, after being displaced en-masse from war-ravaged Syria.

After witnessing harrowing scenes of refugees in the most desperate of situations on the news, the group set up in February to provide those suffering with a bundle of basic items. They pack clothing sets headed for Greece by networking with national charities Kits 4 Kids and iNEED.

Kath Bransom, one of the groups founders, said, “Imagine what it must be like to arrive in an unfamiliar country with only the clothes you stand up in. These families are often soaked through and haven’t had a change of clothes since they left ‘home’ days or weeks before.

“Parents need our help so that they can at least give their children clean, dry clothing as they face the next stage of their journey.

“People of Abergavenny can help by providing pre-loved children’s clothes or new items to be made into clothing kits. All it takes is a handful of items to make a basic kit - socks, pants, trousers, top and a warm jacket or fleece.”

The group also passes on footwear to those in need, added Mrs Bransom, whilst any clothing donations made to the parents of these children would also be well-received.

Any donations can be taken to the Melville Centre, which is at the town end of Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny each Tuesday and Friday morning between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm. To arrange an alternative drop-off time, please contact Kath Bransom at [email protected]