VOLUNTEERS and council staff have been working round the clock to prepare temporary homes for more Kosovar refugees who arrived in East Lancashire today.

More than 150 men, women and children touched down at Manchester Airport this morning carrying what few possessions they have got left.

They were taken to the Kosova Village at Calderstones to join the other refugees who have already made the former hospital their home.

Blackburn is also on standby to take in up to 160 refugees who are due to arrive in the town next week.

Shadsworth House and Laneside, two former homes for the elderly, and other properties in the town are being prepared for their arrival. The Women's Royal Voluntary Service and the British Red Cross are working together to make sure the ethnic Albanians have everything they need in their new temporary homes.

Council leader Malcolm Doherty said: "Staff from all council departments are working around the clock with our partners to make sure these homes are ready for them and will continue to offer support when they arrive to help them settle into their new community in Blackburn with Darwen.

"I know the people of the borough will make them feel welcome and show some of the traditional Lancashire hospitatlity we are so renowned for."

The council has been inundated with offers of help from the public, and a list of volunteers is now being compiled. To add your name to the list call Kate Hodge on 01254 694113.

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