A SONG-writing project aimed at bringing together Syrian refugees and people from the North-East is trying to raise enough money so it can take its message to a national audience.

Stories of Sanctuary is aimed at bringing together some of the Syrian refugees who have settled in County Durham with people from the North-East through music.

The Durham city-based music project, which taps into the city’s history of providing sanctuary to people in need, has already recorded a CD of songs which were written in the summer and held several concerts, including at the Houses of Parliament.

They are now trying to raise £5,000 to go on a tour to five new cities across the UK.

Musician Sam Slatcher, from Durham, who coordinates the project, said: “It was going down to London which gave us the idea of going on a tour.

The choir during their performance at Durham Cathedral

“The experience was so exciting, going down on the mini bus and rehearsing and we were even writing new songs at one point.

“The excitement of going on tour and sharing something that we’re really proud of creating with a new audience is giving everyone a real buzz.”

The songs tell the stories of refugees fleeing war in Syria and also has influences from North-East folk music.

Mr Slatcher, who is also a volunteer at Durham City of Sanctuary, a charity aimed at welcoming refugees, added: “The aim of the show is not only to humanise refugees and celebrate their creativity, but also to show the power of music in creating new communities built on respect and friendship.”

The choir of 18 people has already performed a sell-out performance at Durham Cathedral and is planning another event in the city next week, which will raise cash for the tour.

The performance takes place in North Road Methodist Church on Wednesday, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5 and as well as music, there will be food, which is available on a “pay as you feel” basis and an auction of promises to raise extra funds.

The group is also planning some concerts in the North-East in March, with possible venues in Newton Aycliffe, North Shields and Stockton, but need more funding if they are to travel further afield.

They have so far raised more than £1,000, which will go towards covering things like venue hire, subsidising accommodation costs, and paying for a mini bus.

As well as engaging audiences with stories of fleeing the war and sharing their message of the need to create safe spaces for those seeking sanctuary, the tour is aimed at helping members of the group develop their leadership skills to boost their CVs and employment opportunities.

Copies of the album, which features acclaimed Syrian musician Raghad Haddad, a viola player from the National Syrian Orchestra, are available to buy.

To donate to the fund visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/stories-of-sanctuary-on-tour.

Contributors can sign up to a number of options, including buying the album, getting concert tickets, framed lyrics or even a songwriting workshop.