Town welcomes refugees from war-torn areas

The event, hailed an enormous success, is now in its fourth year and saw 165 people welcomed by Clitheroe Town Mayor, Coun. Pam Dowson. The refugees and asylum seekers were all smiles after enjoying a sizzling barbecue thanks to Clitheroe Mosque.

The whole group then travelled through the stunning countryside to Stonyhurst College, where students had organised an afternoon of sports activities, a country walk; concluding with an English cream tea. During the event, a special humanitarian award was presented to Miss Tiba Mahmood. Every year Tiba, A student of UCLAN, buys each child a gift and gift wraps over 100 presents.

The day also welcomed Imam Ashraf Moulana, the Rev. Andy Froud, of Clitheroe Parish Church, Monsignor John Corcoran of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Fr Uchenna, of Revive for Refugees. A group of students representing Blackburn Central High School also came to lend their support.

Event organisers, Tom and Kathryn Clay, said: “It was a fantastic day. The whole community came together to make the day a huge success. Volunteers and funds were raised by the Salvation Army, Clitheroe Christians in Partnership, Clitheroe Community Church, Our Lady of the Valley Parish, The Methodist Church, The United Reformed Church, St Mary’s Osbaldeston, St James Church, St Mary’s Langho, The Rotary Club. The business community of Clitheroe also enabled the day to go ahead including, The Card shop, Byrnes, Maxwells, Smug Fox interiors and Carter Leisure Beauty Therapy.”