Scottish Catholic development agency SCIAF is appealing for donations to support thousands of people fleeing the conflict in Syria.

Refugees have been pouring into neighbouring Jordan, putting pressure on local supplies of food, clean water and shelter.

SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund) has launched an emergency appeal to provide shelter and cover basic needs.

Provisions will include heaters, blankets and stoves to help families get through the bitter winter months.

The aid will be provided through sister organisation Caritas Jordan, which has so far helped 60,000 people affected by the conflict.

Medical care, trauma counselling and emotional support will also be provided.

The funds raised in Scotland will support 25,000 people across Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, Madaba and Mafraq.

Patricia Chalé, SCIAF's Director, appealed for help from the Scottish people.

She said: "The Syrian crisis is displacing huge numbers of people as they flee for their lives.

"The refugees crossing the border into Jordan often have nothing and are in need of urgent emergency aid including food, temporary shelter, blankets, trauma counselling and emotional support.

"The hardships faced by the growing number of refugees grow daily. We need to take action now to make sure we can continue to support those in need over the coming winter months.

"I am appealing to all SCIAF supporters and the wider Scottish public to please give whatever you can today to help the people devastated by this war who now find themselves homeless refugees in desperate need."

She also appealed to people to pray for families affected by the conflict as well as humanitarian workers and volunteers helping to meet their needs.

To make a donation please visit www.sciaf.org.uk/syria or call SCIAF directly on 0141 354 5555.