MANY of Pendle's 350 asylum seekers and refugees will be marking World Human Rights Day at a special event in Nelson on Monday.

The event is designed to raise understanding about the plight of asylum seekers and their troubled countries and to recruit new volunteers.

Asylum seekers at the event have fled from persecution in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Cameroon and other countries to find safety and freedom of speech in Britain. Human Rights Day coincides with the International Festival of Lights.

Asylum seekers will be lighting candles for loved ones at home whom they have not seen for many months or years.

The Reverend Sally Thomas, who represents the Building Bridges Support Group, said: "No one wants to leave their homes and families but many of our asylum seekers would face imprisonment, torture or death if they were to return because they have had the courage to speak out against these harsh regimes.

"A large number of them are Kurdish people from Iraq who have been traumatised by Saddam Hussain's nerve gas massacre of over 7,000 men, women and children in Northern Iraq and other outrages against human rights," she adds.

New volunteers are badly needed to offer support including help with English conversation skills, befriending, organising cultural and social events, help with written English and fund-raising.

Anyone who is interested in offering help, or seeking information, can contact the Building Bridges office at 19 Market Square, Nelson, on 01282 719303 or Sally Thomas on 01282 698048.

Asylum seekers and volunteers will also be taking part in Pendle Council's Caring Christmas Market on Saturday, December 15.

It takes place in Nelson town centre between 10am and 3pm with a stall including competitions, Christmas gifts and the chance to taste some special Kurdish soup.

Anyone who would like to make a donation towards cultural and social activities for asylum seekers can do so at the Caring Christmas event or at the Building Bridges office at 19 Market Square, Nelson. Cheques can be made payable to the Refugees' and Asylum Seekers' Support Group (Pendle).