An artist who volunteers in the troubled Calais camps is holding a special exhibition this weekend in aid of refugees living there.

Elda Abramson from Eastbourne – who has been a professional artist for more than 30 years – says her trip to France last September was an amazing adventure.

‘Many of the paintings are inspired by my visit to the Calais refugee camp. It was one of the best and at the same time one of the worst of experiences of my life. It haunts me,’ she said.

‘Although I find it difficult to describe my experience in words, I hope my paintings will convey something of what I saw and felt to those of you come to see the exhibition.

‘I first became involved when local councils were asked to take in refugees in the next five years. I was appalled that Eastbourne Borough Council only said it would take in eight. That can’t be right, and as an older person I felt I just had to do something.

‘ It is terrible out there but the people were so kind. There were hardly any toilets there – how can one keep their dignity – but they sure did.

‘They were givers rather than takers. The refugees would tell me jokes and there was plenty of banter, which I just found so admiring.’ The exhibition ‘You and Me’ will be displayed at the Birley Centre in Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, this Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm alongside information on how to get involved with refugee support groups in Sussex.

Elda, 71, was born in England and trained in America, and she weaves large textural works and has woven tapestries for the Royal Northern College of Music, as well as for the Duchess of Westminster and many other public and private commissions. She has exhibited at the Royal Academy and her work is in the Arts Council collection.

This weekend there will be other volunteers present every day between 2-4pm to speak to anyone who would like to know more or to get involved.

Volunteers' experience has varied and includes collection and sorting of donations locally, helping out in the camp in Calais and giving immediate assistance to refugees arriving on the beaches in Greece.

Entry to the exhibition is free, but any donations made or proceeds from sale of Elda's work will go directly to buy items needed in the camps, such as food and blankets.

Other fundraising events are being planned including a jumble sale, charity auction and a barn dance.

Further information can also be found on the Facebook page, ‘Eastbourne Refugee Support, Sussex’.