A PAINTING will be made into a Christmas card to raise funds for a refugee campaign group.

Bridport Refugee Support Campaign, which has recently achieved status as an official charity, will convert the 'Holy Family' painting - created specifically for the campaign group - to a Christmas card will the profits going towards the campaign.

In recent months, the group has asked local artists to create an image reflecting their feelings on the refugee situation. The images were then displayed at a stall in Bucky Doo as a way to introduce the campaign to Bridport.

Hugh Dunford Wood, from West Allington, painted an image of the Holy Family exploring west Dorset and this work will be made into a card.

Mr Dunford Wood said: “My childhood was rootless – a wandering, camp-following military upbringing, unsettled and confusing. So insecurity was an issue I wanted to explore through the rootedness of landscape, placing the refugee family in an unknown land, looking for a refuge.

"Refugees need to be welcomed by finding what we have in common; our love of children, breaking bread together and sharing our stories.”

Margie Barbour, a member of the campaign group, said: “I am very grateful to the businesses of Bridport that have been so helpful during lockdown, especially considering what a difficult time we are going through they have been exceptionally supportive. Leakers, Fruits of the Earth, Waste Not Want Not and Rise have all agreed to sell the cards for the campaign.

"The cards are being printed by Footeprints, which have continued trading during lockdown. They made it possible to easily manage all the details of scanning the painting, designing the card, and choosing the font.

"We would like to thank them for their immense support throughout the whole process."

Packs of five cards will cost £3 and jars for the money will be on the counter at several local shops including Leakers, fruits of the Earth, Waste Not Want Not and Rise. The cards will also be available from the Tourist Information Centre when it re-opens.

You can also buy them from Ann Langridge, treasurer of Bridport Refugee Support Campaign. She can be reached on 07772 035574 or email annelizabethlangridge@gmail.com

To learn more about the campaign, email the group on Bridportrsg@gmail.com