A CRISIS meeting has been called in Newton Abbot to discuss ways in which the town can help with Europe’s migrant crisis.

Shocking pictures of the drowned infant on a beach in Turkey has pricked the consciences of many as the death toll rises in one of the Europe’s worst humanitarian catastrophes of the modern age.

Town and district councillor Gordon Hook is hoping as many as possible will turn up to offer suggestions on the way townspeople can do their bit to ease the horrendous burden of the masses caught up in the desperate exodus.

He said: “It’s currently difficult to switch on our TVs without seeing distressing images of human suffering on an unacceptable scale.

“Many feel anger that this is happening. We feel hopelessness and despair that so much suffering is being experienced by those fleeing war and persecution, not of their making, and we seem unable - or perhaps unwilling - to do anything constructive about it.”

The gathering will be at the Avenue Church Hall on Friday at 7.30pm with doors opening half-an-hour earlier.

Cllr Hook said: “This is not a party political meeting, neither is it a one faith or one church meeting. It is for people of all political persuasions and none, and all faiths and none. The only criteria for attending is a desire to do something positive to help.

“This cannot be done by just one or two people. We hope that many will offer help in one form or another. The initial meeting will explore possibilities and hopefully produce a plan of action.”

He said the only criterion to attend was a desire to help.

He explained: “The purpose is to try to bring together all interested parties, from whatever backgrounds and experiences, to give local residents the opportunity to volunteer in a co-ordinated, organised way and help specifically with the current refugee crises.”

Anyone interested in attending can contact the Rev Jon Doble at the church or Cllr Hook.

Businesses in Newton Abbot and surrounding areas have been rallying support.

Drop off venues are being set up for people to donate clothes, shoes and toys.

Uni Care in Queen Street, Newton Abbot, is collecting donations from 9.30am - 5pm Monday - Friday.

Other venues include the Highweek Village Inn, Newton Abbot, from Monday - Friday between 11am - 11pm, and The Sloop Inn, Kingskerswell, on Tuesday at 6.30pm.Teignmouth residents moved by plight of the refugees stuck in Calais http://bit.ly/1itJCpa