TWO Penarth women are hoping to make a real difference this Christmas for refugees by launching a Christmas fundraising event.

After witnessing moving scenes in Calais, Amy Da Silva, 36, and Sarah Chick, 45, wanted to "make a difference" for vulnerable refugees and decided to set up Penarth Supporting Refugees.

Mrs Da Silva said: "In May we travelled to the refugees' camps in Calais taking aid and decided to volunteer.

"Some of the people had witnessed the death of their family members and some had seen atrocities committed by ISIS.

"The situation there was pretty desperate and we knew then we wanted to do more to help refugees.

"We decided in September to put together Penarth Supporting Refugees, which is a charitable organisation aiming to fundraise and help the cause of refugees both in Europe and the UK."

Ms Chick added: "Our main focus is those most in need which is usually those in the 'limbo' of the refugee camps in Europe.

"The camp in Calais is gone but there is a smaller camp in Dunkirk and many refugees living rough in northern France."

A wide range of activities will be held at the charitable Christmas fair, including face painting and many stalls.

It will be held at the Kymin on Saturday, December 3 at 1pm to 4.30pm.

Entry will cost £1, whilst children can enter for free but at a cost of £5 to see Father Christmas.

The pair of sonographers, who both work at Llandough Hospital, believe the event will be a success because there is significant support in Penarth .

Ms Chick said: "There is lots of people wanting to do what they can so we thought this would be a great way for people to get involved, while having some Christmas fun.

"Having lived here all my life, I know what a great community spirit Penarth has and how the people of Penarth love to get behind a great cause.

"Whenever we have asked for help, the people of Penarth have rallied behind us, for that, we are very grateful."

Ms Chick also said that refugees are "some of the most vulnerable human beings on the planet".

She added: "The journey that most refugees have taken is beyond imaginable, as is the situation they are fleeing.

"If we can't do our bit to support them at Christmas when can we."

For any additional information, e-mail PSRefugees@gmail.com