Rugby star Maro Itoje is supporting Watford Borough Council's Covid-19 urgent appeal for charities fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

In a supportive video message, the England and Saracens player urged people to donate to the appeal, which was launched by Watford Mayor Peter Taylor for the Watford and Three River Trust’s Community Fund (W3RT).

Donations will go to charities in the town who are on the frontline during the Covid-19 crisis, including providing emergency food and medical supplies to isolated people, accommodation and support for rough sleepers, a lifeline to victims of domestic abuse and care for households suffering bereavement.

In a message on facebook, Itoje said: "I'm supporting the Watford Mayor with the Watford Covid-19 appeal.

"Please support and donate. Thank you very much."

Last month, Camelot, the operator of the National Lottery, donated £100,000 to the appeal to help charities in Watford and Three Rivers.

Camelot chief executive Nigel Railton said: "Camelot has been proud to call Watford its home for over 25 years.

"We wanted to help in some way and, when Dean Russell MP, Gagan Mohindra MP and the Mayor told us about the amazing and selfless work of charities and voluntary groups in our town, we immediately knew that we wanted to support W3RT’s appeal."

Anyone can donate to the appeal by clicking here