Thousands of donations were collected by town residents for the victims of Grenfell Tower after a snap social media campaign.

Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue opened its doors to more than 50 volunteers to house donations of clothes, bedding, toiletries and toys.

There were queues out the door with charitable neighbours wanting to help by donating essentials and brand new items bought specifically for those affected by the fire.

The donations are being coordinated with the Rugby Portabello Trust.

The speedy Facebook campaign was started by Phil and Katie Korklin hours after news of the tragedy broke and was shared by hundreds of people.

Phil said: “This amazing achievement was thanks to the support of hundreds, if not thousands, of local people who wanted to help another group of people in their time of need and grief.

“The local ‘What’s coming to the Wood’ Facebook group helped hugely in generating awareness.

“Overall, the appeal brought all parts of the community together in an incredible way, and demonstrated what we can achieve collectively.”

BES Chair, Simon Mitchell said: “I’ve been involved with our synagogue for about a decade and this is undoubtedly one of my proudest moments.

“To see so many adults and children from all over the local area come together at such short notice, and be so generous with their donations, was mind-blowing.

“The response has been so significant, that we’ve also been able to support local women’s refuge centres and homeless shelters.

“We are very grateful to Phil and Katie for their initiative, pulling this together so quickly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by the Glenfell Tower fire.”

For more information contact Simon Mitchell on chair@borehamwoodshul.org or Damian Schogger, on besyavnehho@gmail.com.

At least 79 people have died in the tower block blaze in North Kensington that started last Wednesday, with many more still missing and hundreds of people losing their homes.