Religious groups have challenged Epsom to live up to its status as the "most courteous town in the UK" by preparing to help Syrian refugees if and when they arrive in the borough.

Jonathan Lees of Generation Church in Ruxley Lane and David Waddell of Epsom Baptist Church in Church Street led a meeting of more than 60 concerned residents at King’s Church in Longmead Road on Wednesday, November 18.

The newly-formed Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network will offer support to any refugees who settle in the borough, and create an action plan for how they can help.

Your Local Guardian:

David Waddell, Claier Atkinson, and Jonathan Lees at Generation Church's Resource Centre in Ruxley Lane, Epsom

At the first meeting, members suggested teaching English as a foreign language, hosting lunches, offering advice, work mentoring, helping with transport, and providing counselling and befriending programmes as practical ways in which they could help refugees.

Mr Waddell, 39, of Kendor Avenue, Epsom said: "It is likely the 20,000 that the UK take over the next five years will have the greatest needs because they will be from the camps in countries neighbouring Syria - they will be among the most vulnerable.

"I think when these people come here we will be surprised at how much support they need.

"So if we start putting together a programme for potential action we will be more able to be a part of the help offered to them."

Your Local Guardian:

The Red Cross estimate there are currently 13 million refugees worldwide, four million of whom are from Syria.

In September the Government pledged to accept up to 20,000 Syrians through the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme between 2015 and 2020.

Last month, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council unanimously approved Councillor Vince Romagnuolo’s motion to support any initiatives to help refugees fleeing a "murderous fascist death cult".

From October: Borough will support those fleeing 'murderous fascist death cult' after vote

But unlike many authorities, the council does not have its own housing stock and so would be reliant on securing housing association homes and the private rented sector in order to accommodate people.

Councillors supported Coun Romagnuolo's motion, but were cautious to suggest a concrete solution until more information and guidance from central Government was available.

Jonathan Lees is senior leader of the Generation Church and manager of Epsom and Ewell Foodbank, and is the lead organiser of the Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network.

He said: "It was great to see so many people from all walks of life come together to address a huge issue.

"There was so much energy and passion displayed as myths were dispelled and ideas explored."

For further information or to get involved, contact Mr Lees on 020 8786 8221 or email jonathan@generation.org.uk