TWO Minehead community nurses held a special charity fundraising lunch last Sunday and raised £1,700 for Samara’s Appeal, which provides help for Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

Julie Kilworth and Fiona Hall cooked 77 roast dinners for a two-course lunch held at Minehead Baptist Church after being inspired when church member Clarissa Saywell showed videos of the charity’s work.

“The whole community pulled together for this event and we were overwhelmed with food donations,” said Julie.

The money will go towards heating oil, nappies and the cost of transporting lorries of clothes to the refugees, many of whom are facing harsh winter conditions with some living in tents in the snow.

Julie said any further donations would be gratefully accepted, and people can Facebook Richard Kilworth or Samara’s Appeal for more information.