Schools, mosques and Muslim organisations all came together to support a campaign for two homeless shelters supporting those in need this winter.

The Federation of Redbridge Muslim Associations collected bags of items which included non-perishable food items and clothes.

The campaign was led by the Gardens of Peace Cemetery, Elmbridge Road, Hainault where all the donations were brought together.

They were then taken to the Ilford Nigh Shelter, York Road, Ilford and the Salvation Army night shelter, Clements Road, Ilford on Sunday.

Mohamed Omer, board member at the cemetery, said: “We came up with a campaign this year for the Muslim community to come together and help those in our society who are less fortunate then us.”

He said that the federation wanted to support those in need this winter and he was delighted at the response from members of the Muslim community.

“It’s very important because our religion teaches that we should be looking after anyone who’s less fortunate than us regardless of religion,” Mr Omer said. “Homelessness is a problem in the wider community and we are part of that community.”

More than 100 people from 15 organisations got involved with the campaign which ran for two weeks.

He said: “We have been pleasantly surprised at the response we have received and we think that we will continue with this initiative in the future.”

Al Noor Primary School, Green Lane, Goodmayes was one of the organisations involved and held a special assembly to explain to the children why helping those in need is important.

Someera Butt, headteacher, said: “We are really proud of the work the federation have done and we are proud to be part of it. People are really suffering in our community and it’s really important that we reach out and support them.”

Parents have been bringing in bags of items for the appeal.

“Our parents are always are always really generous, we really believe in the supporting those who are vulnerable in out community,” Mrs Butt added.