The Sittingbourne and Sheppey Conservative Association (SSCA) and Gordon Henderson MP are appealing for items to help the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in London.

Items required by the churches and community centres currently looking after those left without a home or belongings include blankets, clothes, toiletries and food.

Mr Henderson said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their family and friends at this difficult time. If anyone would like to donate items I would be very grateful. Working with my colleagues in the local Conservative Association we will ensure any items are delivered safely to those in need.”

Items should be taken to the MP’s office in the Periwinkle Court Business Centre, Church Street, Milton Regis, ME10 2JZ between 9am and 5pm today (Thursday) and Friday.

If any items are not needed they will be sent on to alternative good causes.

Another Sittingbourne firm, Chalkwell Coach Hire and Tours, has offered to donate an empty coach and driver to take donations to one of the receiving points in London.

Jenny Barham, head of sales and marketing, said: “We don’t have the room to store anything but we are willing to make local journeys on a set day to collect goods. The people left homeless need clothes, toys, toiletries and blankets. We hope we can fill an empty coach and send it to London.”

For details call 01795 423982 or email jenny@chalkwell.co.uk

At least 12 people died in Wednesday’s inferno which destroyed the 24-storey tower block in West London. More than £1 million has been raised to help those affected.

Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to visit the scene of the tragedy later today (Thursday) to speak to emergency services.

She has promised a "proper investigation" after the building went up in flames early on Wednesday morning amid growing concerns about how the fire spread so rapidly.