Leaders of a Cricklewood-based charity have seen how money they raised  has helped more than 77,000 people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

World Jewish Relief (WJR) set up the appeal following the typhoon on November 8, last year, which caused damage to a country already suffering from the effects of an earthquake in October.

Last week the charity's director of international programmes and partnerships Stacey Swimer and emergency programmes manager Joe Weber visited the Philippines to meet with those most affected by the disaster.

Mr Weber said: “People have been telling us about the sheer force of the typhoon and the loss they have experienced.

“Some people were moved into a sturdier evacuation building but even this could not withstand the force of the winds and the roof was ripped off as people took shelter.

“Although the pictures of devastation have disappeared from our TV screens back at home, the sheer extent of the destruction is still very evident.”

With the help of donations, WJR has raised nearly £600,000, which has been spent mainly on providing food and shelter.

To donate to WJR’s emergency appeal visit www.wjr.org.uk/haiyan or call 0208 736 1270.