A COUNCIL in the North-East has announced it is to develop an action plan to support the UK response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

The Durham Humanitarian Support Partnership will be led by Durham County Council and will meet as a matter of urgency to clarify and progress the part authority will play.

It will examine all needs families seeking refuge in the county may have including housing, food, health, education, translation services and community support.

The partnership will also seek to work with churches, the voluntary sector and other partners to identify what help may be required and how it should be provided.

The partnership's chairman is Cllr Eddie Tomlinson, who also serves as the council’s cabinet member with responsibility for assets, homelessness, housing and rural issues.

Speaking ahead of the first meeting he said: “We have already expressed our commitment to play our part in responding to what is a desperately sad situation impacting on nations and neighbours across Europe.

“We are therefore taking immediate action to support this specific situation by launching a partnership which we believe will deliver the best possible outcome for the families needing our help.

“While we have systems and processes in place already to meet the needs of refugees requiring our help –the numbers have been extremely small and the current crisis requires a very targeted and specialised response.”

The move comes as the support group North East Solidarity With Calais Refugees said it had been inundated with help for a mercy mission to Calais later this month.

Among the many who have been moved to act was Rachel Kurtz, a post-graduate student at Durham University.

Ms Kurtz approached Wilkinson’s in Durham, who donated a £60 voucher - enabling her to buy essentials, such as candles, plastic sheets, ground sheets, washing up liquid and baby wipes.

She said: “We have to remember that people fleeing their homes are not to blame for their situation.

“Refugees are people just like any of us who are choosing to risk their lives and leave everything behind because the alternatives are worse.

“In Syria they face torture, murder, crucifixion and sexual slavery. I can understand that the chance of survival and even the prospect of death would be preferable to those things.”