THREE Bury councillors have been on a mercy mission to Europe to help refugees in need.

Cllr Annette McKay, of Moorside; Cllr Jamie Walker, of Radcliffe North; and Cllr Tamoor Tariq, of Redvales, drove to the French port of Calais to hand out a car load of toiletries to refugees living in the so-called “Jungle” camp.

It was Cllr Tariq’s third trip to the camp. He had previously visited last December to distribute winter clothes and in May to take part in a sports initiative.

However, it was the first time the other two councillors had taken part in the project, which was backed by the Refugee Crisis Foundation.

Cllr Tariq said: “To be able to do just a small thing to help is very worthwhile and I was glad to take part.”

Cllr McKay said: “It was a completely surreal experience because, in Calais itself, there was a regatta going on, and then just ten minutes down the road at the entrance to the port is hell.

“We met refugees who had been there for 14 months. It was a really shocking and upsetting experience.”

“A lot of young very committed volunteers are working there.

“We met a group of dentists who finished work in the UK on the Friday, drove down and helped in the camp all weekend.”

And Cllr Walker said: “It was a good experience and great to be help on the ground.

“You hear about the work that goes on in Calais but it was interesting to see it first-hand, but awful to see so many people trapped in limbo.

“The refugees were very friendly and very well educated and I’m glad to have gone. I am hoping to go back in October.”

A Refugee Crisis Foundation spokesman said: “We are ready to meet refugees in crisis and deliver crucial aid in whatever form it is required.

“We keep in close communication with established charities and local sources to gain enough background knowledge before performing first-hand analysis and providing the vital aid that is desperately called for.”

Visit refugeecrisisfoundation.com for more information.