Residents can find out more about a campaign to welcome a refugee family into Bridport today.

A group of locals will be in Bucky Doo Square this morning where people can take away leaflets, donate money and sign up to volunteer for a range of activities to help the family before and after they arrive.

These activities include painting and decorating the house the family will move into, helping the family improve their English, taking them shopping and befriending them.

The Bridport Refugee Support Campaign aims to bring a family to Bridport under the Home Office Community Sponsorship Scheme, a safe and legal route to resettlement for refugees escaping from countries affected by war, persecution or natural disaster.

Such displaced people cannot return home safely and need protection. The scheme has been shown to be the most effective way of helping families become valued members of their new community.

The campaign needs to raise at least £15,000 in order to be able to bring over a family and look after them in the first instance while they are finding their feet. They will also need to find appropriate accommodation for them.

Barry Lovejoy, chairman of the campaign, said: “Everyone knows from their TV screens the plight of refugees from all over the world. Bridport is a big-hearted town. Our community will benefit from welcoming a family from another country and we want as many people as possible to help or donate as much as they can.”

Town council leader Cllr Dave Rickard said: “Bridport Town Council would be happy to welcome a refugee family to our town. Supporting this initiative is another way to show our commitment to the values we embrace as a Rights Respecting Town.”