THE first refugee picnic at Clissett Wood, Hereford, was an unequivocal success.

The rain was easing off just before two minibuses with 65 refugees and supporters from Newport and Cardiff arrived.

The kitchen table laden with cakes, cookies and drinks was the first attraction before everybody started exploring workshop and kitchen. Soon there was the most fantastic music making, dough making and baking of pizzas, woodland crowns being decorated with leaves and seeds, pole lathes and shave horses in action, drumming around the fire - six full hours of relaxed activity, laughter and huge enjoyment.

Hosted by the Clissett Wood Trust, the purpose of the picnic organised by Gudrun Leitz and the Ledbury Refugee Support group, was to thank all those who have been involved in the collection, sorting, storing and sending of vitally needed aid to Syria.

Caroline Handley, the group spokesperson said "Several people involved in the campaign are themselves refugees who now want to give help to those still locked in war torn countries. For us the most heartwarming moments were seeing the children so happy after experiencing war and fear. They joined in with all the fun."

For information about the work of the Ledbury Group look on: Ledbury4Refugees@gmail.com ledburyrefugeesupport.com