A BURY support group is extending the hand of friendship to asylum-seekers and welcoming them into the community.

Solidarity is a 20-strong group which runs monthly socials at the town's Mosses Centre with a range of entertainment aimed at children and adults.

Since the meetings began last year, numbers attending have increased. Importantly, the asylum-seekers have made friends and can chat in a relaxed environment.

Mrs Sue Arnall, who helped found Solidarity, explained: "We had our first social in August, paid for by funds raised at an earlier party. We have 20 regular members of our committee who volunteer to come to run the socials."

Asked why Solidarity was set up in the first place, Sue went on: "Essentially, it's because all of us were concerned by many of the negative images presented about asylum seekers. We knew many of these individuals as friends. We believe there are about 500 in Bury.

"From these friendships, one of the problems we became aware of was isolation. Asylum-seekers come here and have to try to make friends.

"We thought it would be a nice idea to run a social on a regular basis. Over the last few months, the numbers of those attending has gradually built up".

At the latest gathering last Saturday, more than 70 asylum-seekers enjoyed a range of activities. There was clay model-making for children, a dance routine from group Side by Side, a rap performance by children, lunch and bingo.

Continued Sue: "There is a hardcore of about 35 people who come and each time they bring more friends. Our volunteers are unpaid. We don't offer anything but a gathering where people can befriend each other".