Furness charity launch fundraiser following arrival of Afghan refugees to south Cumbria

The family are among hundreds who have been resettled by the UK Government after the Taliban offensive followed the withdrawal of US and allied troops from the troubled Asian country.

And now Furness Refugee Support has issued an urgent plea to raise money for them - with more expected in the near future.

A spokesman said: "We recently had a family arrive from Afghanistan with literally nothing - they didn't even have warm clothes.

"We're expecting more families in the near future and they will probably have nothing either."

The group is urging people to support a music night to raise money for the refugees.

The music night, on Friday October 29, includes music by four acts: all-women group Zoleka, Kathryn Bell, Karen Bell and duo Mickey Finn, as well as a quiz.

FUNDRAISER: Music event

People who cannot go but would like to donate can send money to Furness Refugee Support.

It takes two to three months for the Department of Work and Pensions to sort out benefits for newly-arrived refugees, said the spokesman.

"They are given a small weekly sum from the county council while they wait, but can't buy things many people would consider necessary without help from Furness Refugee Support," he said.

"We supplied the first Afghan family with a laptop and phones - usually their phones are unreliable due to age - furniture, kitchen equipment, children's and babies' clothes, shoes, waterproofs and toys, a provisional driving licence and help with lessons.

"We also introduce families to groups like mothers-and-toddlers.

"Families already here are given support with official appointments, preparing CVs, family trips out and get-togethers with our group, housing problems, etc.

"The families really appreciate what we do. We are often rewarded with delicious meals and, of course, friendship - but nothing that the group does can possibly make up for the families' experiences before leaving their homes and on their journeys here."