The first details of the distribution of Syrian refugees around the UK under the Government’s expanded resettlement programme have been revealed - and Colchester is ranked 25th nationally and top in Essex.

Colchester has taken 22 between October last year and March this year, Home Office published figures show.

It is a third of the way down the UK table, but is the only Essex authority to feature.

Coventry leads the way with 105 followed by Nottingham, which received 81.

A total of 71 local authorities accepted people under the scheme, which is voluntary for town halls.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced plans to step up the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme last year after public outcry over the fate of those driven to attempt to make the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean by boat.

The Government has pledged to resettle 20,000 people from the region around the war-torn country by 2020.

Earlier this year it was revealed that the scheme is expected to cost more than half a billion pounds.

A Home Office spokesman said: “The UK has been at the forefront of the international response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria.”