DARLINGTON pupils will support a Refugee Crisis Appeal by welcoming a handmade cross carved from the driftwood of capsized refugee boats into their school.

The appeal by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) will see the Lampedusa cross arrive at Carmel College on June 6 and 7.

The crosses – named after the Italian island that is home to carpenter Francesco Tuccio and where thousands of refugees have drowned – will act as a symbol for communities reacting to the global refugee crisis.

Headteacher, Mike Shorten, said: “Our students are learning about how we are all called to be global neighbours and friends, regardless of culture, faith or nationality.

“CAFOD coming in and working with the students gives an additional voice to those values.”