The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland donned an apron on Wednesday to serve up meals in aid of victims of the Syria conflict.

The Right Reverend Lorna Hood hosted the meal at her official residence in Edinburgh as part of the Kirk's 'a place at the table' initiative.

The simple fundraising drive asks people to share a meal together and donate the money they would have spent on an extra place at the table.

The money raised will go towards supporting thousands of refugees who have been forced to leave their homes and are lacking even basic necessities.

The Kirk is working with its partner, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), which is reaching out to displaced people in Syria and neighbouring countries. Their aim is to support at least 24,000 families over the next year.

Mrs Hood sported an apron emblazoned with the words '£20 can feed a family of five for a month in Syria' as she served up lunch for fellow ministers.

"It's a really simple idea: we're asking people to consider setting an extra place at their table or an extra place in a restaurant and giving the money which would have been spent on that extra meal to help those affected by the conflict in Syria," she said.

"I'm delighted to endorse this unique initiative to help Syrian refugees as they struggle to feed their families. We can all help to make a difference. It's as easy as setting 'a place at the table'."

"When we watch television reports of the conflict, it is easy to feel helpless, but through this opportunity to fundraise, we are able to do something to help."