FARNHAM has rallied to the aid of people fleeing the Middle East crisis with offers of clothes, toys, shoes and even homes for those seeking refuge for their families and children.

Moved by the distressing image of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi drowned on a Turkish beach and scenes of desperate refugees seeking passage into Europe, churches, charities and other groups and individuals in Farnham have mobilised to help raise funds and vital supplies for those affected by the crisis.

A petition by pressure group 38 Degrees calling on Waverley Borough Council to find homes for 50 Syrian refugee families in Farnham has already mustered more than 230 signatures within days of its launch.

And following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday that the UK will accept up to 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next five years, Waverley Borough Council leader Robert Knowles promised to help find homes for refugees if called upon.

Mr Knowles said: “Following the announcement by the Prime Minister, Waverley Borough Council will work with the Government to implement the resettlement policy. Next week we should have more clarity from the Home Secretary as to how the policy will be implemented over the next five years.”

The plight of the refugees fleeing Syria and other failing states in the Middle East and Africa has also prompted three mothers and a vicar from south Farnham to set up a group to help those arriving in the UK as well as people still trapped abroad.

Mums Hannah, Alessia and Katie, alongside Rev Karen Hutchinson of St Thomas-on-the Bourne, set up the Facebook page ‘Farnham Help for the Syrian Refugees in UK and Overseas’ this week calling for donations to help those at the greatest point of need.

Hannah told The Herald: “We initially contacted Calaid, who provide humanitarian assistance for refugees in Calais. But in some ways, those who make it to Calais are the lucky ones - it is those who can’t escape who are desperate.

“We wanted to support organisations who can help the refugees before they try to get to Europe - so they don’t have to take the risks that Aylan and his family had to. So we contacted the Red Cross.”

Monetary donations are “by far and away” the best way to support the Red Cross, according to Hannah, as it’s much more cost-effective and efficient for the charity to buy vital supplies from local sources and familiar brands to guarantee uniformity of equipment.

She added: “However, we also know that there is something very visceral about donating actual clothes, toys and other supplies, so we are planning to collect items for the refugee centre in Portsmouth and Southampton run by the Red Cross in mid-October.

“This is where the approved, legitimate refugees arrive and are held when they get to Britain and they often have very little and certainly no comforts.”

Details of the group’s October collection will be published on the group’s Facebook page, found by searching for ‘Farnham Help for the Syrian Refugees in UK and Overseas’ at facebook.com.

Jan Treacher-Evans, Surrey and Hampshire fundraiser at British Red Cross, who has liaised with Hannah’s group, also encouraged residents to donate money to the Red Cross’s Europe Migrant Appeal online at www.redcross.org.uk .

Jan said: “So far we have raised £624,000 through our Europe Migrant Appeal. We do not send goods. However, if people wish to donate goods [for sale] they can take them to our shop in Godalming, at 18A Bridge St, specifying that they wish the money raised to go towards this appeal.”

Charities and churches in Farnham have also been urged by the Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Rev Andrew Watson, to support Calaid and the Christian Aid Appeal, while some parishioners have even offered their homes for refugee families.

The Bishop said: "I encourage every parish in our diocese to be active in responding to the urgent plight of Syrian refugees. We are working with local authorities and charities both local and more widely to assist parishes in planning their responses.”

He also supported calls for parishioners willing to welcome refugees into their homes on a temporary basis to contact the diocese.

It has been reported that around a dozen homeowners across Guildford diocese have already offered to take in refugees.

For more details, visit cofeguildford.org.uk or call the diocesan secretary on 01483 790300.

Farnham Runners also leapt to the aid of refugees this week, arranging a collection of shoes and clothes after member Alistair Hardaway overheard an appeal for footwear with winter approaching.

In an appeal to members, Alistair said: “I have several pairs of trainers in good condition to wear, as I’m sure we all do, so thought maybe we could all donate and send a footwear parcel.”

Jeremy Hunt, MP for South West Surrey and Secretary of State for Health, said: “The crisis in Syria is showing Britain at its humanitarian best: more support for those in refugee camps than any other country, and big-hearted families in South West Surrey wanting to play their part.

“But at root we must make sure we find a long-term solution to this crisis that tackles the causes driving people to take such enormous risks.”

To sign 38 Degrees petition, visit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/refugees-welcome-in-farnham.