A FUNDRAISING concert has raised more than £2,000 to help Syrian refugees displaced by war and persecution.

Kind-hearted members of the Redditch and Bromsgrove community recently came together to support the local Syrian community through the Gimme Shelter concert at Bromsgrove's Artrix.

The evening of celebration and fundraising included samba, folk, blues, jazz, roots and country music genres.

The event, organised by Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcome Refugees (BRWR), saw performances from Oya Batucada Samba Band, Jack Blackman, Abi Budgen and Dan Wilkins, Claire Boswell and Carmina.

Compère for the night was the unique and amusing poet Spoz while Bromsgrove's bellowing town crier Kevin Ward also made appearances to keep people in check.

On the night, Stephen Hale, chief executive of Refugee Action, a national charity that provides advice and support to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, gave a short speech on the importance of its work.

Speaking after event, he said: "A huge thanks to the Bromsgrove & Redditch Welcome Refugees group for organising a brilliant evening of entertainment, celebration and fundraising.

"It’s fantastic that volunteers and community groups are working with our team to ensure Syrian refugees in Worcestershire are receiving a warm welcome as they begin to rebuild their lives in the county."

Alistair Waugh, from the group, which supports the Redditch Syrian community to integrate into local life, said: "We really want to thank people for all their support. Although fundraising is important for any group, the concert was also about raising awareness.

"Above all, the event was a reminder about being human, feeling love, and that people have always migrated. Our music reflects that. Whether that's Irish folk, American freedom songs, reggae or samba rhythms."

The event was held on February 22.

For more information on BRWR, visit brwr.uk.