Filipinos asked shoppers in Romford to dig deep on Friday to raise money for typhoon victims in their storm-stricken home country.

The musical fundraiser was organised by Barking, Havering and Redbridge Philippines Community after members watched Typhoon Haiyan wipe out entire villages in their country earlier this month.

Members of the group gathered outside the Sunrise Cafe in Romford Shopping Hall and played acoustic songs while shaking buckets to encourage passers-by to give generously to the cause.

Chairman Hermel Ylagan, who moved from the Philippines to Romford 10 years ago, said: “When we heard the news on the television about the devastating event in the Philippines we organised a fundraiser event to help.

“We are heartbroken because you do not expect something like this to happen.”

According to official figures, there have been more than 5,200 deaths, with 1,611 people still missing more than two weeks after some of the strongest winds recorded hit the country.

Hermel was particularly keen to help with the relief effort as his mother, brother and sister still live in the Philippines. Luckily they were not in the disaster zone.

During the afternoon, the group, which was formed in 2009 to bring the Filipino community together and preserve values and traditions, raised £770.

This will be donated to the ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya programme, which provides relief to communities affected by national disasters.

Hermel added: “This money will help people in their daily needs, like food and shelter, because this is the main thing that is needed at the moment back home.

“We are really grateful and thankful to all the people who donated.

“It will make a big difference.

“Whatever nation we are, in times of need we should be united.”