THE Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson was one of many to sign a letter written by the Church of England calling for the Government to increase the number of Syrian refugees being allowed access into the country.

In the letter addressed to the Prime Minister, it stated England should take in “at least 10,000 people a year for the next two years,” rising to a minimum of 50,000 in total over five years.

More than 300 people gathered at Guildford Cathedral on Tuesday for the Diocese of Guildford’s Peace event, which was dedicated to helping parishes and interested groups learn more about what they can do to help.

Revd Watson recognised the UK’s long history of welcoming refugees, referencing his own grandparents who took a family of German Jewish refugees into their home during the Second World War.

He said: “In the end it’s up to the Government to make the judgment as to who and how many refugees are allowed to settle in this country.

“But meanwhile it’s up to all of us to promote PEACE– to pray, educate, act, campaign and engage.”

Apanel of expert speakers included Christine Elliot, director of World Church Programmes and Refugee Council chief executive Maurice Wren, who advised on effectively approaching the ongoing situation in Europe and the Middle East.

• AFTER watching the plight of the Syrian refugees on TV, a group of girls in form five at St Edmund’s School, in Hindhead, felt they had to help.

Creating and making their own cakes, cookies, handmade cards, keyrings and chocolate lollies, the girls held an after-school sale in aid of the crisis appeal, (pictured).

A school spokesman said: “It did not take long for everything to sell out, with the girls delighted at raising a whopping total of £200 in just over an hour. The money has already been given to the Child Refugee Crisis Appeal.”