THE people of Hawkshead welcomed around 170 refugees from across the Middle East for Mitzvah Day, a special Jewish-led community day of celebration.

This was the second year the international, interfaith event has taken place, after last years event saw residents and National Trust members plant 800 trees, collect clothing for the Manna House charity and set up a food bank initiative.

This year the village held a number of activities including a community tea in the Market Hall, which was open to everyone to come and join.

There was also a button count for B’s Buttons Project, people counted buttons collected by the Lakes School, to create a memorial to the 1.5 million children murdered in the Holocaust.

This year, organisers also worked organisations from the surrounding area including Windermere Lake Cruises, who offered the refugees trip around Lake Windermere as part of the days activities.

In return for the generosity of the people Hawkshead, the refugees prepared a Middle Eastern meal for local residents as a special thank you.

Abigail Mann, Organiser of Hawkshead’s Mitzvah Day said: “We went to great lengths to enable the refugees to participate in these activities which we all take for granted.

“So many people have worked together and donated so much to create a totally unique experience for the refugees. As a result, they have had a chance to explore the beautiful surroundings in which they find themselves and hopefully feel more at home.”