The Archbishop of Canterbury is to take refugees fleeing the war in Syria into his London home.

The Most Reverend Justin Welby is preparing a four-bedroom cottage in the grounds of Lambeth Palace, his official residence in the capital.

A palace spokesman told the BBC the cottage could provide room for a "family or two" and is currently being redecorated.

The spokesman said: "As a Christian who leads the Church of England it is something he feels absolutely passionate about.

"As the archbishop has said, Jesus was a refugee, and there are refugees here who are desperate for sanctuary from war-torn places and the archbishop is completely torn about their situation and wants to make a difference."

The Archbishop's gesture comes days after Pope Francis promised to open up some Vatican housing to refugee families.

There is no indication yet of when the families will move in to the cottage.