BRADFORD gave a warm welcome to an unusual, large visitor to the city today.

Amal, a giant puppet of a Syrian refugee, arrived in City Park this afternoon for the first stop in a walk around the country to mark World Refugee Week.

She was greeted by hundreds of people, including many school children, keen to see the unusual site.

Her visit was accompanied by an event that featured poetry, dance and music.

And she was given gifts, including “hope” that had been prepared by Bradford residents.

The event tied in with Bradford Literature Festival, which begins later this week.

After her visit to Bradford Amal travelled to Leeds.

Councillor Abdul Jabar, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “Bradford Council is delighted to welcome Little Amal on World Refugee Day to meet some of our young people of the district as part of Bradford Literature Festival.

“As a Local Authority and a City of Sanctuary we are particularly proud that Little Amal is visiting us as we continually work to welcome and support all those seeking sanctuary in our neighbourhoods and communities.”