Wirral Council has confirmed plans to welcome 100 Syrian refugees over the next four years.

The local authority has also agreed to provide 30 properties to house asylum seekers.

The decision forms part of an agreement by Merseyside councils following a Government pledge to take in 20,000 refugees fleeing war and persecution.

The councils will receive extra funding to support refugee families as part of a resettlement programme.

A Wirral Council spokesman said: “All local authorities in the city region are working together to ensure a joint, co-ordinated approach to the issue of Syrian refugees.

“Wirral has agreed to welcome 100 refugees to the borough over the next four years and work is underway across the city region authorities to identify suitable properties.

“In addition Wirral Council is in the process of engaging with other agencies to ensure that appropriate support will be in place for those who need it.”

Liverpool, Sefton and Halton councils have each agreed to accommodate 100 refugees while Knowsley and St Helens will welcome 50 and 60 respectively by 2020.

According to the United Nations website an estimated 13.5m people, including 6m children, are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Current figures identify nearly 14m Syrian refugees in need of protection and support while more than 1m need shelter and household goods.