ESSEX church leaders have pledged to work with other groups to welcome refugees to the county.

Members of the Diocese of Chelmsford, which represents the Church of England in Essex and East London, have promised to help provide accommodation to those who arrive from the Middle East.

Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, Peter Hill, Bishop of Barking, John Wraw, Bishop of Bradwell, and Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester, have issued a joint statement on the refugee crisis.

They said: “The conflicts in Iraq and Syria have created an unprecedented refugee crisis in the Middle East.

“There are now more than 4.2 million refugees from Syria alone – greater than the total population of Wales.

“We can be proud that the UK is providing £900 million to those in the refugee camps. But we all need to do more.”

“As God’s people in East London and Essex we stand ready to play our part.

“As national and local responses develop we will be delighted to work with willing communities (Christian, other faiths and non-faith) and civic leaders to offer sanctuary and welcome to any refugees who are admitted to our area, including providing accommodation.

“We are currently looking into practical measures to help the situation.”

Council leaders in south Essex have pledged to welcome refugees to the area, but have called for funding from central Government.

Basildon, Southend and Castle Point councils have all said they would not sacrifice council housing to accommodate refugees.