A PEEBLES family have spent this week volunteering at the French refugee camp, dubbed 'The Jungle,' which French authorities began demolishing on Monday (January 18).

The makeshift camp is home to thousands of migrants and refugees seeking to come to the UK.

But last week, bulldozers moved in when the local government announced that a third of the camp, home to around 1,500 of the camp's 6,000 residents, was to be destroyed, and those living there moved to temporary purpose-built housing.

Grandmother Mary Mackay and her family were having Christmas dinner, when their thoughts went to those suffereing in the French camp - and decided they should give something back to those who aren't fortunate enough to be able to sit round a table with their relatives and have a nice meal.

Mary and six of her family members; her daughters Moy, Janice, and Karen Mackay, and their children, headed out to the Calais migrant encampment and were due to return home on Friday (January 22).

Three days before leaving, Mary said: “I'm a bit apprehensive but really looking forward to being able to make a difference.

“It's not going to be a walk in the park, but it would be great if our efforts could help those who are suffering.

“We were all enjoying Christmas dinner and our conversation turned to those who are less fortunate.

"We just felt guilty about enjoying this lovely meal together, and there are people out there who have so little - especially in somewhere like the Jungle.”

A friend of Mary's, Gillian Sosa, was very touched by the selfless efforts of the Mackay family and wanted to do her own little bit to help.

Gillian rallied her two children, 12-year-old Bella and 14-year-old Aramis to set up a donation drive at Cardrona Village Hall on Saturday – two days before the Mackay's were setting off.

Gillian said: “Mary is just amazing, she's in her 70's, and is a bundle of energy and spends so much time volunteering at the BGH and the Eastgate Theatre.

"Her own home was flooded twice in the last two weeks but she has put her own situation behind her and has decided to help others.

“I just think it's great what the family are doing, so I wanted to help.

“I organised for donations to be delivered to the hall, things like wellie boots, blankets, tents, warm clothes – things that would help the refugees there."

The Mackay's have timed their trip when those living in the Jungle are probably most in need.

In Calais, the new camp being provided can only process around 50 people a day, so hundreds of Jungle residents could be left without shelter.

Many refused to use the new accommodation and moved their temporary homes further inside the camp, despite poor living conditions.