A paediatric nurse from Kilburn has headed to France armed with supplies to help with the refugee crisis.

Amy Jones, 31, of Callcott Road, left this morning for the infamous “Calais jungle” camp with her colleagues Lauren O’Neill, 28, and Elizabeth Bichard, 29, to spend four days administering first aid to refugees in need.

The trio have raised £1,200 towards the purchase of much-needed medical supplies and received hundreds of donations of warm clothing and medication in the last three weeks.

Ms Jones, who works at a hospital in central London, said: “We’re just three ordinary people who have been overwhelmed by the response from friends, families and local businesses supporting us in our efforts. We never expected that something that started out as a chat at our Christmas party has snowballed into this.

“We are truly grateful that so many people share our desire to help those in need – human beings living in terrible conditions a mere 20 miles from our coast.”

She hopes it will inspire others to volunteer, raise funds or head over there themselves.

She added: “Many of our colleagues were surprised to hear of our plans and are keen to come along on any subsequent trips – if we can do it, anyone can!”