VOLUNTEERS from a Burnley mosque drove six vans of aid to Calais to help refugees stuck in appalling conditions in the French port.

The group of 15 from the Markazi Jamia Ghausia mosque made the trip just five days after the idea was first mooted and were amazed by the support they received from the community.

Raja Haroon Rashid, an immigration and human rights barrister, said: “I first had the idea on the Sunday night with my friend Anjum Mukhtar, which was to take one van of warm clothes over to Calais.

“By the Wednesday there were six vans that were also carrying things like tinned foods and tents.

“It was amazing to see the community come together in Burnley to support this, and heartwarming to see all races and religions working together in Calais.”