CHURCH members in Ruthin have been left 'completely overwhelmed' by the amount of donations they have received between them in aid of a refugee charity recently.

Collections have been made to aid Afghan refugees through the Shropshire County of Sanctuary group.

About 8,000 refugees are currently being accommodated across the UK, the majority of which qualified for ARAP resettlement.

The UK Government said it will accept a total of 20,000 refugees under the Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) over the coming years.

In Denbighshire, the county council has agreed to extend its role in the UK Government's Afghan Relocation Assistance Policy (ARAP) to provide support for a total of five refugee families.

They say that number could be increased to 10 families, dependent on a comprehensive funding commitment from the UK Government Home Office beyond its present one-year timeframe.

The number of items donated in support of refugees to St Peter's, St Mwrog and St Meugan have been so great that the churches have now had to politely ask residents to stop sending items in for the time being.

All donations made will be going towards the Shropshire County of Sanctuary group, a charity seeking to 'build a culture of welcome for refugees and asylum seekers'.

A statement from the group of churches read: "We as a church, as well as the charity we are seeking to support, are completely overwhelmed by the response of the amazing people of our town!"

"There is no more room to store, process, distribute all your kind gifts and, regrettably I have to say NO MORE DONATIONS lovely people. Your kindness is going to be well used. THANK YOU so much. God bless all involved!"