THE Malvern area has responded with an open heart to the plight of refugees from Syria.

A mum and daughter are set to visit Calais to help bring relief, while other are collecting clothing and other supplies.

Moves are afoot to reverse Worcestershire County Council's decision not to support bringing refugees to the area, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition supporting the Malvern Welcomes Syrian Refugees group.

And after Prime Minister David Cameron announced the UK would take in thousands of refugees, Malvern Hills District Council said it would reconsider its own refusal to tale part in the relocation programme.

Elaine Lawson from Malvern Wells and daughter Kirsty hope to travel to Calais to volunteer.

"I couldn't just sit back and do nothing," said Mrs Lawson. "I found it all really distressful and wanted to help.

"I'm not in a financial position where I can offer donations or money so I wanted to do something practical to help because I have got the time to do it. I just had to get involved."

Mrs Lawson is also involved with a Facebook group, Worcester Mums Network, which is collecting goods for refugees.

Another member, Lauren Henderson-Payne, from Malvern, will also be making the journey independently.

The Old Bush Inn at Callow End is appealing for clothes, food, toys, shoes, tents and sleeping bags.

Landlord Matthew Williams said: “The situation is pretty sick really. You do whatever you can do.”

Lib Dem councillor Tom Wells will try to overturn Worcestershire County Council's June decision not to find room for Syrian refugees with a motion at the council's meeting on Thursday.

He said: “They refused to help 12 Syrian refugees but things have clearly escalated since, and I’m calling upon the county council to play its part - I think the people of Worcestershire now expects i.

“We cannot sit by and watch the suffering and death of refugees fleeing violence. Local authorities across the country should

respond by taking in refugees - we have a moral and humanitarian duty.”

The petition started by Malvern Welcomes Syrian Refugees in August has now attracted over 1,000 names, with a further 1,000 on line.

Ruth Forecast of the group said: "We have been deeply moved by the number of people who have approached us. We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and offers of help."

Coun Julian Roskams said: "Malvern Hills has been at the forefront of efforts to resettle Syrian refugee families. We have been heartened by the number of individuals and local authorities from around the country that, have contacted us for advice on how their areas might take part in this programme. Malvern should be proud that it has blazed a trail."

Cllr Melanie Baker of the district council said: “We are now awaiting more detail following the prime minister’s announcement; in particular which areas the government feels would be most suitable to relocate refugees to and the funding arrangements.

“However, the reality remains we would only be able to offer support as part of a wider South Worcestershire plan and if proper funding is made available by the government."

Coun John Raine said: "We now expect, with the huge groundswell of public support for our government to do more, that we will receive the assurances that will at last allow our council to play its part."

MP Harriett Baldwin said: "I will continue to work with local authorities and the Home Office to see how big-hearted local people can best offer the hand of friendship to those in most need, fleeing the horrors of war."