'Troll' is internet slang for a person who starts arguments or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community

Refugee charity Calais Action has hit upon an unusual fundraising method by getting people to donate every time someone trolls the organisation online.

The charity reacted after its Facebook page was targeted by people making offensive comments about the refugee camp in Calais.

It set up the#TrollAid donation page online and every time there is a negative comment on the Facebook page it tweets phrases such as #TrollAid #TrollsWelcome, #YesAllTrolls, and #TrollsMatter.

When pledging to our fundraiser, you can quote your favourite troll, so that we can all see how much a particular troll has raised

The idea is to compel supporters who see the hashtag to donate to show the trolls their abusive, often racist, almost always xenophobic comments are not welcome.

The campaign, which only launched this week has already raised over £1000 and the hashtag and donation page link are now being shared widely across the internet on different sites and forums.

A spokesperson for Calais Action, said: “We hope that by highlighting the negative attitudes of the small minority who spread hate and disinformation, we can change minds about the crisis and educate those who may be influenced by the hate-mongers.

“Anybody can post the #TrollAid link wherever a troll is commenting – anywhere on the Internet, regardless of forum or personal vendetta – so that others can pledge money on behalf of the troll too!

“These guys give their time adding something to the refugee crisis, so we'd like to be able to give something back. When pledging to our fundraiser, you can quote your favourite troll, so that we can all see how much a particular troll has raised.”

Visit the #TrollAid donation page here.