A DATE has been set to help Darwen asylum seekers integrate with members of the community.

On Tuesday, March 18, political refugees will be given the chance to meet with local business people, residents and church leaders in an attempt to understand and get to grips with the community in which they live.

The day has been organised by Whitehall ward councillor Karimeh Foster and Tony Melia, president of the Darwen Rotary Club.

Coun Foster said; "It will be an important day for people to learn the plight of asylum seekers. All to often they are labelled as being here just because they have an easy deal, but this is not the case.

"They want to work and they want to work for their money and it's important that they know how to do it. In this way we can help them to help themselves."

It will be held at the Central United Reform Church on Duckworth Street.