Afghan refugees who are temporarily staying in hotels locally were given tickets to watch Watford's cup match last night.

They were given a taste of football action in England after taking their seats in the Sir Elton John Stand at Vicarage Road stadium for the tie against Stoke City.

After the takeover of the Taliban, many fled Afghanistan and came to the UK. A number of hotels in Hertfordshire have been used to provide temporary accommodation while a longer-term housing solution is found.

Although they have received much-needed support and a roof over their heads, those responsible for looking after the refugees and their welfare recognise that they can't stay cooped up in the hotel for days on end.

Radlett-based housing developer Griggs Homes, which arranged for items to be donated to the refugees when they first arrived locally in the summer, liaised with Watford Football Club to see if anything could be arranged.

The club said it could provide free tickets for Watford's League Cup game against Stoke at Vicarage Road stadium, with a low attendance expected, and around 150 Afghans were given a ride, paid for by Griggs, to the stadium.

Watford Observer: The Afghans waiting to get into Vicarage Road stadiumThe Afghans waiting to get into Vicarage Road stadium

They wore Watford shirts and scarves provided to them by the club and its community support and education trust.

They were also given a food voucher before taking their seats in the stands for the game, which Watford went on to lose 3-1 in front of a crowd of around 8,500.

A spokesperson for Griggs Homes said: "Following the amazing response to the appeal for donations that both ourselves and Bushey Synagogue did, we were advised providing experiences and days outs was just as vitally important to these people.

"We contacted a number of organisations to try and put on events and fortunately Watford FC have been amazing and super generous as they always are.

"They are the original family club always looking to do great community work. Despite the result, hopefully they have had an amazing experience."

Watford Observer: Some of the refugees in the Elton John Stand at Vicarage Road stadiumSome of the refugees in the Elton John Stand at Vicarage Road stadium

The refugees in Hertsmere have received vast support after the local community learned they were staying nearby. So many donations flooded in, the British Red Cross and Hertfordshire County Council had to request a pause on donations.

A fundraising page set up by Hertfordshire Community Foundation, in partnership with the council, to help Afghan arrivals and refugees has raised more than £30,000.

Funds raised will be distributed to groups and organisations providing a broad range of assistance and support from the provision of essential items to longer-term employability skills, language skills, family support and community integration.