THE new Bishop of Dover, Trevor Willmott, has praised the work of the Dover Detainee Visitor Group.

The charity provides help to immigrants held in the town, and also their families and ex-detainees.

After being welcomed to its headquarters in Poulton Close by director Vebi Kosumi and chairman Miriam Wood last month the Bishop listened to a presentation about how the charity goes about its work.

The Bishop, who visited the Dover Immigration Removal Centre in Western Heights in February, a day after he was installed, said it is vital all people, no matter their status, are treated fairly.

He added: "We are all children of God and it is essential we treat all people with justice and dignity and that we look beyond the label of detainee."

The Bishop was told by Mr Kosumi about the 70 volunteers who give up their time to make weekly visits to detainees at the removal centre.

Over lunch the bishop chatted with many of the helpers, thanking them for their contribution. He said: "The work done by the Dover Detainee Visitor Group is highly professional and worthwhile. These volunteers are not only providing friendship and support to individual detainees, but are also helping to break down stereotypes in our society."

Mr Kosumi said is was a pleasure to welcome the Bishop to the charity.

He added: "Also we were pleased at how sympathetic he was to our work.

"The length of stay in detention is indefinite and by becoming a bridge between detainees and the outside world, our volunteers empower detainees to make the right decisions for themselves and bring hope."