THE recently formed Settle Area Refugee Support group hosted its first day visit recently.

Nineteen young people from Pendle New Neighbours Group came to Settle accompanied by six helpers. It was hailed as a great success by the organisers who are based in Nelson.

The visiting group said they really enjoyed themselves. Group member Howard Thomas said: “Many thanks to the Settle Area Refugee Support Group for their very warm welcome and excellent hospitality.”

The young people, aged between 11 and 18 were mainly from Syria originally, with one from Iran and another from Palestine.

They enjoyed playing football and frisbee on the fields at Giggleswick and using the swings.

Some walked by the river, others climbed up Castlebergh Crag after looking round the town and posed for photographs.

The Settle group says it is hoped this visit is the first of many successful visits and that adults will come next time.

Thanks were expressed to all in Settle who helped organise the guests and to the Quaker Meeting House and the Giggleswick Parish Rooms for use of their facilities.

Details of the Settle Area Refugee Support Group can be found on their Facebook page which people are invited to join.

Settle Area Refugee Support collected £154.14 in the Co-op last Friday. Many thanks to them for hosting the group and to all the people who donated.