Syrian refugees should be given new homes in Cumbria as they escape "unthinkable violence" in their own country.

Church leaders have issued statement saying the county should not "turn a blind eye" to the suffering of people seeking sanctuary in the Middle East country.

Last year Cumbria County Council was keen to offer assistance but work to prepare for the arrival of any refugees was because of the December floods.

A council spokesman said: "The council is committed to keeping this situation under regular review with the Home Office, the regional body co-ordinating the offers of support and local partners and district councils. If there are any further developments we will ensure that the residents of Cumbria are kept fully informed."

Now, however, Churches Together in Cumbria’s social responsibility forum has called on churches and communities in the county to provide a warm and hospitable place of welcome to any refugees arriving here.

The group recently held a meeting with representatives of churches and other organisations concerned about the refugee crisis.

Rev David Pitkeathly, chairman of the forum, said: "At our meeting we heard wonderful and inspiring stories from members of the Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG).

"Over the last few months they have collected over 12 tonnes of clothes, 200 sleeping bags, food for 500 meals, and 6 caravans for refugees - all generously given by the people of Cumbria - and taken it to the refugee camps in northern France.

"We reflected on Cumbria’s proud history of supporting refugees, from Jewish children saved from Nazi Germany by the Kindertransport to the Kosovan refugees in the 1990s. We agreed that refugees have brought much that is positive to our society, both historically and today.

"Many are highly skilled and even amidst their own suffering are keen to use these skills for the benefit of others.

"We want Cumbria to be a place of welcome for the Syrian refugees. We believe that everybody deserves a safe place to call home and that we should never turn a blind eye to the suffering of people seeking sanctuary from war and violence.

"We would also like Cumbria to have the opportunity to welcome asylum seekers already in Britain. In this time of crisis where so many vulnerable people are trying to escape unthinkable violence and seeking safety in Europe, we urge the UK government to commit to increase significantly the number of refugees which Britain will host."