HOLIDAY memories will be far more poignant this year for a family who have returned from a Greek island bearing the brunt of the refugee crisis.

Pat and John Horton, along with their son Stephen, returned to England on Saturday following their annual break to Lesbos, a holiday they have enjoyed for the last 20 years.

This year, the family booked before the refugee crisis escalated but after seeing the extent of the desperation they decided to spend their two-week break helping volunteers.

Now back in Broadwas-on-Teme, the couple plan to return in May with their eldest son Thomas and have set up a crowdfunding page to buy essentials for refugees on the island throughout the winter months.

Writing on his last day on the island, Mr Horton said: "We return home with many pictures and memories that have been given to us as we were privileged to be a small part in a huge logistical problem.

"The last day included a single dinghy that had strayed into the area near to Petra but safely delivered the occupants.

"The plight of the refugees has given us an eye opening experience that will live with us forever.

"Our contribution to help must continue when we return home with even more effort as the winter will see far more losses of life in the extreme windy, wet and cold conditions.

"I hope that I can find the time and finance now to return to the front line and give my tiny bit of support to these brave people who daily risk their lives for just some of the basic things we take for granted."

The trio had been keeping people back home up to date with their efforts through a Worcester News live blog and were keen to let other people know they are safe to travel and enjoy a holiday to the island.

Well there, they saw numerous men, women and children come ashore on dinghies and said they were bewildered and many sobbing having been overcome with emotion at making it to safely across.

Other times they saw deflated dinghies, life preservers and, on one occasion, a packet containing money wash up on the shore and the family could only hope the owners had made it to safety.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so by logging on to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/pahorton70