STUDENTS walked a mile to raise awareness of the plight of child refugees.

The pupils from City College in Southampton took part in the global event to show solidarity with children from around the world.

Walking from their base in St Mary’s to the Queen’s Peace Fountain in the city centre the young people were encouraged to think about others who have to walk for miles fleeing from danger, war, violence and natural disaster.

They also shared photos of their walking feet on social media with the hashtag #walkamile.

City College’s principal, Sarah Stannard said: “I am proud that our staff and students joined this campaign to show solidarity with refugee children around the world. Our students want to show other children that they are welcome here, acknowledge their courage in making long, difficult and perilous journeys, and stand up for the right of refugee children to be reunited with their families.”

Alison Wallace, CEO of SOS Children’s Villages UK said: “Child refugees are children first and foremost. They deserve our compassion and our protection. Many have survived trauma, bereavement and the loss of everything dear to them yet all too often they are met with suspicion, rejection and prejudice as they attempt to find a safe place to call home.

“I am thrilled that young people in Southampton have joined our Walk a Mile campaign to show support for child refugees. Together, we can be a force for change.”

SOS Children’s Villages UK is the world’s largest charity working with unsupported children. During this year’s Refugee Week -June 18-24- they are hosting events around the country where people can show their support for child refugees including film screenings in partnership with Picturehouse Cinemas .

They are also campaigning in support of the Refugee Family Reunion Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, which would bring unaccompanied refugee children one step closer to being reunited with their families. Current immigration laws are preventing refugee children who have been given leave to stay in the UK from being reunited with family members here and this often results in these children being raised in care.