Religious leaders in Whitstable have united in support of plans to house unaccompanied migrants in the town, saying residents have "nothing to fear".

The Rev Steve Coneys, of Seasalter Christian Centre, has offered support to the migrants, who will arrive at the former Ladesfield Care Home in Vulcan Close in around three weeks' time.

He and other church leaders in Whitstable have told Kent County Council they are willing to mentor the 16 to 17-year-old migrants, helping to befriend and support them.

The Ladesfield site would act as a temporary reception centre for 40 teenage asylum seekers, who would be supported for a maximum period of six to eight weeks each.

In an open letter, Rev Coneys wrote: "Christians who follow a Saviour who himself was a child refugee, have no option but to welcome ‘the least, the last and the lost’ in Christ’s name.

"That is why, as the leaders of the Christian churches in Whitstable, we are ready to give whatever support we can to the unaccompanied 16- and 17-year-old children who will be temporarily accommodated at Ladesfield.

"Amidst the confusion and controversy surrounding this initiative, the fact is that young people will arrive at Ladesfield in various states of exhaustion and distress.

"Our offer as churches to the county council is that we are allowed to visit, befriend and support these children in their brief time in our town..." - The Rev Steve Coneys

"Our personal experience of young asylum seekers is that there is nothing to fear and much to learn from individuals who are both vulnerable and often have humbling stories to tell.

"As members of the community we can help them understand what it means to live here respectfully. As the churches we are experienced in supporting and mentoring young people, and of course in praying for them.

"Our offer as churches to the county council is that we are allowed to visit, befriend and support these children in their brief time in our town.

"We are grateful to all those in our community who have expressed compassion towards these children.

"We hope to be able to share a little love with them – so that when they leave they have a good story to tell about our town."