Images of people struggling in desperate conditions in the north of England stirred members of Redbridge’s Muslim community so much they decided to take action.

Around 40 members of Seven Kings Mosque in High Road, Ilford, along with other clubs in the borough and Newham, rolled up their sleeves to spend last Saturday helping volunteers from York clean up the town after severe flooding.

The charity event organised by the Indian Muslim Federation - Newham branch, also raised £10,000 and plan to present a cheque to York Council next weekend.

Imam Suhail from the mosque in Seven Kings, which contributed £2,200 to the donation, said: “We are a diverse, very supportive community and have helped projects including the Boxing Day tsunami and refugee projects in Greece and Calais.

This is another way in which we can help those in need.”

Rachel Maskell, MP for York Central who met with the volunteers to thank and welcome them to York said she was “touched by the generosity” of the group who had travelled more than 200 miles to help.

Another 30 members of Balfour Mosque in Balfour Road, Ilford plan to visit again to help clean, remove carpets and furniture to show the people of York that they care.