Hundreds of people came together in Ashford last night to pray for Nepal following the weekend’s devastating earthquake.

A candlelit vigil was held in Victoria Park, off Jemmett Road, and was attended by around 300 members of the Nepalese community and other well-wishers.

Candles spelling out ‘Pray for Nepal’ and the country’s flag were laid on the ground, near the Hubert fountain.

A minute of silence was held for those who have died, been injured or affected by the catastrophic earthquake.

This was followed by speeches from organiser Kamala Gurung, plus Popiraj Rai and Shree Limbu, from the Sagarmatha Gurkha Nepalese Community Ashford.

Mr Limbu said: “It is a very sad day, not just for Nepal but across the world. I will pray with God to give people strength at this difficult time; people who are suffering, people have lost people in Nepal.”

He also thanked “all our guests” who came together in the park.

Since the catastrophic quake hit on Saturday, the death toll has risen to 4,310, with almost 8,000 injured.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed homes, businesses and temples in the capital of Kathmandu.

A drive to collect basic supplies to send to Nepal, including dried food, blankets, tents, torches and batteries, has been set up at the Prince of Wales in Ashford.

All donations can be dropped off at the pub in New Street, near the Tank, this week.

The collections will then be taken to the airport on Friday, and again on Monday, to be take to the country.

Mr Raj said: “We share this pain together, not only those who have lost their lives, but their homes, their everything.”

A bake sale will also take place at Ashford Oaks Primary School, in Oak Tree Road, on Friday at 3pm. All funds will go directly to help the victims.