MEMBERS of the Ledbury Refugee Support Group are urging local people to get knitting, now temperatures are falling in the refugee camps of France, Greece and Syria.

One resident of Leadon Bank residential home, pensioner Helen Lawson-Smith has already knitted three blankets for the camps.

She said: "One of my hobbies is knitting and it gives me great pleasure to know that the blankets will keep a child cosy and comfy during the winter months."

The Ledbury Refugee Support Group is urging other Ledbury residents to break out the knitting needles, and

the message is already getting through.

Group member, Jan Long said: "We want them to create much needed items for refugees who are suffering as the temperatures start to fall.

"Whether it is in France, Greece of Syria, the nights are very cold. I was approached by people who have wanted to become involved in donating items, and they have given beautifully knitted baby clothes, including bonnets and boots.

"I urge knitting groups to get clicking for the sake of those who are in desperate need of warm clothing and blankets."

Several members of the Ledbury Refugee Support Group have been out to the camps and have witnessed the terrible conditions that exist there, as winter starts to bite.

One member, posting on the group's Facebook site, said: "The people with the 'send them back' rhetoric simply haven't seen the conditions in camp. I defy anybody to see desperate circumstances these people are living in with their own eyes and then have anything but compassion."

The group plans to keep its profile and its message high in the run up to Christmas by being out and about in Ledbury High Street on Saturdays, where members will collect donations and discuss the refugee situation with anyone who stops for a chat.

They hope that more members of the local community will respond with "random acts of kindness".

Further details on, 01531 650036