KIRKLEES will welcome its first Syrian refugees before Christmas as part of the Government’s scheme to resettle 20,000 people within the UK.

Under the Trailblazer scheme, Kirklees Council will take two families in the next two months, with funding from government.

Councillor Graham Turner (pictured) said it would also take a further number of refugees over the next two years.

He said funding would come from government through the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.

"We are not dealing in quotas. Kirklees has made an offer based on what we feel able to fully support. We will know how many people are coming around four to six weeks before they arrive, but that may be longer if there are refugees with complex needs.

"Under the scheme, there is priority for survivors of torture or violence, women and children at risk, and those needing medical care. Refugees are still subject to immigration and visa rules, and those with criminal pasts are excluded," Cllr Turner said.