A BASINGSTOKE church has set up a special fund to help with the current refugee crisis.

St Joseph’s Church, in South Ham, has set up the fund to help any refugees coming to the county, particularly those headed to Basingstoke.

Parishioners, staff and clergy from the church are currently organising fundraising events, with the first two taking place this weekend.

On Saturday, an afternoon tea will take place between 3pm and 4.30pm at Basingstoke College of Technology, in Worting Road.

Father Mark Hogan will also run the Basingstoke Half Marathon this Sunday for the fund and for CAFOD, who are supporting people currently in refugee camps.

He said: “Our parish is really eager to respond to those in the greatest of need at this time. If we recognise those who are fleeing Syria and other war-torn areas as our brothers and sisters, then how can we fail to want to reach out to them?”

To sponsor Father Hogan, visit https://www.justgiving.com/Mark-Hogan-Refugee-Crisis or make a cheque payable to ‘PRCDTR St Joseph’s, Basingstoke’ and send it marked ‘Refugee Fund’ to St Joseph’s Parish, 171a St Michael’s Road, Basingstoke RG22 6TY.