The Rev’d Caspar Bush, curate in the group of parishes that covers Perranporth, Cubert and Crantock, will spend next week living in a tent outside of St Michael’s Church in Perranporth to raise awareness of the plight of refugees.

His needs, like food and a sleeping bag, will need to come from the generous donations of his parish.

As well as raising awareness, Casper is also hoping his week-long camp out will raise money for Shelterbox and Release International, a campaign group that supports persecuted Christians around the world.

Caspar said: “I’m taking a bit of a risk, but since I’m carrying on my normal parish duties as well during that week, it’s in everyone’s interest that they keep me from smelling too bad! And if no one brings me anything to eat, well, I’ll just end the week a bit thinner.”

Caspar was inspired to undertake his campaign after a summer holiday in France.

“This summer I was on holiday with my family, staying in a very comfortable holiday home near Paris. I woke up one morning thinking what a privilege it is to be able to stay far from home in that sort of luxury, while many millions of people in all sorts of countries have been forced hundreds of miles from their homes and survive in incredibly basic conditions.

"In particular back in July the atrocities in Iraq were unfolding, and of course I feel a particular empathy for the Christians of Iraq uprooted from towns where there has been a Christian presence since the 2nd century.”

Shelterbox is presently providing tents and relief supplies in Kurdistan for various different ethnic groups displaced by the violence in Iraq. Release International is supporting the work of Canon Andrew White, so-called ‘vicar of Baghdad’, as his church provides help for thousands of displaced Christians.

At 5.30pm each day from October 6 to 11, a silent vigil will be held in St Michael’s Church to remember those who suffer as refugees. All people, of any faith or none, are welcome to come and light a candle and sit in solidarity with refugees around the world.