ALL the Teignmouth churches are supporting a money-raiser to help the refugees stranded in Calais.

Churches Together in Teignmouth is organising the event at the United Reformed Church in Dawlish Street tomorrow afternoon.

John Smith, from the group, said it was clear from a meeting held last year that people in the town wanted to do something to relieve the suffering of the men, women and children living in appalling conditions in ‘The Jungle’, just outside the French port.

‘A great deal has been done in Teignmouth and the organisers can be proud of their achievements.

‘Since the meeting, the French authorities seem to have compounded the problem by pushing even more people into the camp – it now numbers about 6,000 – with no shelter, little food and no future. The two makeshift churches that had been built there have now been dismantled.

‘The churches in Teignmouth have decided to offer the people of the town the chance to join in and do something more

‘We are organising an afternoon and inviting people to bring cakes for sale in slices or whole, along with other bring and buy items. It will not be a jumble sale, and nor are we looking for clothing.

‘We appeal for people to attend – if only for a few minutes.

‘Money is badly needed and any funds we raise will be sent direct to “Medecines Sans Frontiers”, the French charity that is both helping to coordinate the humanitarian response in Calais, and develop better facilities close to Dunkirk.’

Mr Smith added: ‘Nobody is trying to make a political statement – it is purely a response to a desperate humanitarian situation made worse by this wet, dragging winter and the continuing terror in the Middle East.’