COWLEY-BASED charity Oxfam has backed a decision to transfer 5,000 refugees from the Greek islands to better living conditions on the Greek mainland before winter.

Nicola Bay, head of mission for Oxfam in Greece, said it was a ‘very positive step that will save lives’.

She added: “People across Europe are asking for action and now it is imperative that people are moved quickly.

“Winter is just around the corner and thousands of refugees and migrants are still sharing unheated tents exposed to the cold.”