Moved by coverage of Europe’s migration crisis, a couple has begun collecting food and essential items refugees stranded in Calais so desperately need.

Robert and Chloe Garrod, who live in North Herts, felt compelled to take action after seeing a picture of a dead Syrian child washed up on a beach in Turkey.

Three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, his five-year-old brother Galip and their mother, Rehan, died in a desperate attempt to flee their war-torn country.

With thousands of refugees camped in Calais, Robert and Chloe have begun raising funds and collecting donated goods to help them.

Robert said: “My wife was upset by the picture of the dead boy. He’s not much older than our son and she phoned me at work in tears.

“I was shocked because it’s not what you usually see, but I’m glad they published it. The unpleasant people who don’t seem to like anyone but themselves have gone a bit quiet.

“The idea is we collect enough to drive a car or van filled with food and other supplies from here to Calais to deliver to the camp itself.

“I realise the refugee crisis is a subject that elicits all manner of often strong reactions in people, but surely the bottom line is that there are thousands of fellow human beings stranded in makeshift shelters only a hundred or so miles away from here, and the only truly humanitarian response must be to do whatever we can to help them.

“They don’t have a choice about being there – they are fleeing war, persecution, rape and real terror.

“We feel it is everyone’s responsibility to help other human beings in crisis, especially when we are so lucky to live the privileged lifestyles we do. Please help.”

Robert and Chloe have sought advice from volunteer group CalAid on what is most needed in the camp. Items include sleeping bags, tents, blankets, non-perishable food, torches, basic toiletries, pots and pans and camping stoves.

If you would like to help, call Robert on 07754 204392, email him at bobgarrod29@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.gofundme.com/4k3cwfr8.