MEMBERS of Stroud Rotary Club are hosting a craft fair and collection to raise vital funds for Hurricane Irma victims.

The craft fair and bucket collection will take place this Saturday at Merrywalks Shopping Centre in Stroud from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

All the funds raised will go to ShelterBox in the charity's bid to care for those affected by Hurricane Irma.

The fundraiser comes as residents in island nations in the Caribbean brace themselves for Hurricane Maria.

In a statement on its website a spokesman for ShelterBox said: "After suffering the wrath of Hurricane Irma, the Caribbean is once again being pummelled.

"The arrival of Category 5 Hurricane Maria makes this one of the most ferocious hurricane seasons ever recorded.

"We are currently coordinating the provision of aid across five countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands.

"A team is also on its way to the island of Dominica, which has seen massive devastation from Hurricane Maria. 

"We have a variety of aid in the Caribbean, so we can tailor our response to best support different communities.

"On some islands, there will be the natural resources available to quickly rebuild homes with the help of a ShelterKit.

"Elsewhere, our tents will be the best option – creating a warm, safe home while the long clean-up process takes place. 

"But it's not just the Caribbean that has been affected by extreme weather.

"Torrential flooding in Nepal and Bangladesh has left communities in urgent need of aid.

"Our teams are on the ground in both countries now, but the need is overwhelming.

"We’re impatient to respond – wherever we’re needed in the world – but we need your help."

To donate to ShelterBox click here.