THE Bishop of Winchester has launched an Christmas appeal to support refugees.

The Right Reverend Tim Dakin hopes the money raised will support the resettlement of refugees in the Diocese of Winchester.

The first refugee family moved to Hampshire a year ago and there are now families living in Winchester, Basingstoke, Lymington, Eastleigh and Andover.

The Christmas Appeal is supporting the British Red Cross, which is working in partnership with Hampshire County Council to provide refugees with a range of different services including legal and language support, in additional to practical help in the form of food and clothing.

Bishop Tim, together with the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Roy Perry, met volunteers from Churches Together in Winchester, who have been supporting refugees living in Winchester since last year.

The appeal has raised more than £1,400 so far, and Bishop Tim has invited anyone who has not yet donated to give generously.

Bishop Tim said: “At Christmas, it is natural to focus on our families and loved ones but, as Christians called to reach out to our near and distant neighbours – to be prophetic global citizens, it is important that we think of people who are less fortunate than ourselves.

"Over the last two years, many people have been forced to flee their homes as a result of global conflicts, and as a Diocese, I want us to continue to offer them support.

“I hope people living in Hampshire and Dorset will give generously to the British Red Cross this Christmas.”

To find out more about the appeal visit justgiving.com/winchesterchristmas