The Liberal Democrats want Britain to take in 50,000 Syrian refugees at a cost of more than £4billion - but have not said how they will be paid for.

The UK is one of the biggest aid donors to the war-torn country and has already committed to giving refuge to 20,000 people over five years until 2020.

But Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said Britain should more than double its commitment.

Tim Farron, pictured today in Cardiff Bay, wants to increase the number of Syrian refugees settled in Britain to 50,000 - more than double the current comitment

The move would cost an estimated £4.3bn, but the party was tight-lipped about how it would be funded simply insisting it is 'fully costed' and the details will be revealed in the manifesto which is launched in mid May.

Mr Farron said the initiative will be paid for over time through the hard work of those who settle in Britain.

He said: 'The United Kingdom has taken a pitiful number of people, and only done it under extreme pressure, when the Government has been made to feel under pressure.

'This is Britain doing what Britain always should have done in being a place of sanctuary.

Mr Farron, pictured today on his battle bus in Cardiff with Alex Shimmen, was tight-lipped about how his £4bn refugee pledge would be paid for

'For all that we focus on Brexit, and lots of other things as well, the biggest humanitarian crisis facing our continent is still going on and Britain is turning its back and pretending it's not happening.

'If you show confidence in people and give them sanctuary they become very loyal citizens.

'We are only talking about 50,000 people. We are talking about doing what is right.'

The Lib Dem leader, who today is visiting a refugee charity in Gloucestershire, said the numbers will be accepted over five years.

