A CHURCH will open its doors for people to pray and show support in the wake of the refugee crisis.

The St Helens Baptist Church, on Hall Street, will be open from 8pm on Friday evening (September 11) for people to pray for those involved in the situation.

The church is also looking to offer support petitions and collections to help refugees.

"We are really moved and shocked and helpless as to how best respond," said minister Tim Haines.

"Last week Barrie Grunewald and Marie Rimmer made statements to say St Helens was ready and working to help refugees and as a church we would mostly agree.

"In the long-term if St Helens would welcome refugees we would support that. At the moment we are opening the church on Friday just to pray for the situation and for people in the countries there."