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World News

Christmas at Calais: High winds and heavy rain batter refugee camp

by Antony Bushfield

The so-called jungle has thousands of residents, a church, mosque, shops and restaurants.

Premier's Antony Bushfield recently visited the camp and said Christmas decorations were in shop windows and the local church was preparing to celebrate.

Ahmahadeen, 18, told Premier he "wants a life".

"That's why we are suffering danger here, to get a life," he said.

"I am seperated from France, they don't do good for us, they don't like refugee.

"I go to a train station, I sat with a man, I was dirty because I am a refugee.

"He ran from me, why? Because I am refugee. I am not a thief, he thinks that I am a thief.

"He abused me in French, you should not do that."

A make-shift at 'The Jungle' in Calais, France 

Some 6,000 people who have fled war, poverty and persecution are camped at "The Jungle".

The Church at the camp says it will hold a service on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the building which is made out of disused wood and tarpaulin.

Premier's Antony Bushfield was in Calais and said: "The camp was like marshland. It was very wet and muddy. Some of the refugees still only had the sandals they used from their home country.

"I was welcomed into their homes, asked to come into tents and offered food and tea.

"They all want to get to England, they believe they will be welcomed there and be able to find work."

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