AN OXFORD church has been handing out clothes to refugees and asylum seekers in time for the summer.

But volunteers are disappointed that not enough people are making the most of the free new clothes.

The Word Fountain Christian Ministries, in Hollow Way, Cowley, launched the Community Clothing Project last year. Since then, it has helped to clothe hundreds of destitute people.

But at the last event on Thursday, just eight people turned up to the giveaway, which offered baby clothes, shoes and suits for men and women.

Stacks of clothes and home goods were left untouched.

Pastor Dupe Adefala said referrals were made through organisations who assist asylum-seekers, refugees, mental health service users and the homeless, but all who were in genuine need were always welcome.

She said: “It is disappointing that people did not come to make the most of what we had on offer. We were expecting a much bigger turnout.

“I think a lot of the clothing banks use second-hand clothes and people are used to that.

“But these clothes are all brand new and completely free. There is no association with being handed cast-offs.”

The clothes are provided by the British Red Cross and high street retailer Primark.

Summer clothes, including suits and dresses, shoes, blankets, towels and linen were handed out by volunteers from the Word Fountain Church and students from Ripon College.

Pastor Adefala said the church was now considering how to take the project out to more people, and would be linking up with refugee organisations in the city to spread the word.

She said: “We are going to be holding a meeting next week to decide what to do to promote the next event.”