FIVE young Kosovan refugees who were thrown together when they escaped the trauma of war are being given breathing space in Fiddington, on the edge of the Quantock Hills.

Two 15-year-olds, one of whom has been orphaned, and three young men in their 20s had nothing more than the clothes on their backs when they were taken in by Michael and Jenny Evans.

Although they are anxious to fend for themselves, they have no option but to turn to others for help.

Not only do they have nothing to wear, but they also have little to do.

The only English they can speak or understand has been learned since they arrived at Mill Farm Camping and Caravan site three weeks ago.

Jenny and Michael communicate with the five through an interpreter, Taunton policeman's wife Alonga Kemp, who is from Albania.

"And we are teaching the language as we go along," said Jenny.

The five were in a Turkish-run Albanian camp for three months before they fled across Europe, meeting each other for the first time in the back of a lorry with five other men.

They were found hidden at the back of the vehicle in a lay-by at Ashcott and taken to Bridgwater police station.

The social services then contacted Jenny and Michael who took them in to their study centre as a youth group of language students.

The journey's end for the group coincided with a stormy public meeting in Over Stowey over plans by London-based charity Kaleidoscope to accommodate people from around the world in part of the old school.

Arguments used against allowing refugees in their village included that there might be children, that their religious beliefs were not Christian and that properties would be devalued.

Meanwhile, the young men from Kosovo were given rooms at Mill Farm and a chance to stop and come to terms with their loss - both parents of one of the boys and the father of another have been killed. The others do not know the fate of their families.

Jenny said: "They are meticulously clean, their manners are impeccable, they always offer to help and they don't want to be taking from others," said Jenny.

"It's hard for us to imagine, but they had literally nothing other than the clothes they stood up in.

"When we took them to Bridgwater Carnival, Michael found one of the little 15-year-olds, Hassan, washing his trousers. They were the only pair he possessed and he wanted to look nice.

"There hasn't been much else for them to do, so any complimentary tickets or offers to take them for a walk or to give them a break of any sort would be very much appreciated.

"They know how to drive a tractor, so Michael has taught them all to drive a particular one of ours. And they are very good horsemen. Hassan has a pony and a dog at home and Lucan, the other little one, has three ponies and two dogs.

"The language barrier is the only real problem, but they are trying really hard to understand and make themselves understood. They have English lessons round the table and practise the rest of the time.

"It is frustrating for them because it limits what they can do for themselves - they can't go shopping, for instance. And when Kosovo comes on the news, they know it's about their country but they can't understand what is being said."

Jenny said there had been some glimmer of hope that the young men were beginning to relax: "We can have a joke with them and one morning recently I heard singing while they were cleaning their dormitories.

"But sometimes Hassan sits on his own looking forlorn. We leave him to it. He has to grieve - he has a lot to grieve for."

Although Jenny's parents, Jayne and Maurice Hudson, of Watchet, and others have rallied round to find some clothes, more support would be appreciated.

Apart from clothes, the five have no Wellingtons or shoes, personal items, fun or occupational possessions such as personal stereos, cameras, music or board games, and a long winter ahead with little chance of a social life: "It's like a prison for them, really," said Jenny.

Michael said that anything given that was not needed would go to a charity and would not be wasted. Anyone able to help by giving or spending time with the five is asked to contact Jenny and Michael on 01278 732286.

"They are just very nice people who can't help being in this position and have no choice but to depend on the kindness and understanding of others," said Jenny.