REFUGEES forced to flee to East Lancashire from their paradise homes in the Caribbean have told how their island turned into a volcanic hell.

The harrowing stories were revealed as representatives of the Montserrat families said thanks to the local people who have come to their aid.

Twenty two people, aged from two to 77, today woke up to their first day in Blackburn after arriving in the town last night.

The party looked weary as they stepped off minibuses outside King George's Hall, where they were greeted by council officials, housing and social service representatives and members of the WRVS who had prepared a welcoming buffet.

The group of four families had been travelling for 30 hours after flying from Antigua and spent nearly six hours in immigration at Gatwick airport before finally arriving at their new home.

Alfa Glasford, 54, told how islanders had lived in constant fear from the volcano eruptions.

He said: "The whole island is just covered in ash. Everywhere you look and everywhere you go is just covered.

"We could not live there any more. A lot of people had breathing difficulties because of the ash and it was a very bad experience.

"All the time you could just hear the volcano and you'd see fire and smoke shooting into the sky. We're so glad to be here."

Ann White, 67, and her frail husband John Samuel, 77, arrived with just a suitcase full of clothes.

Mrs White said: "Our house was destroyed by the volcano and this is all we have.

"We are so very pleased to be here and we hope things will be okay for us now." One family arrived with their six children, aged from two to 19.

Last night all the refugees, who were flown over at the expense of the Home Office, were staying together at a secret location before being sent to their new homes supplied by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Montserrat expatriate Jonathan Pond, of Whalley Range, Blackburn, is a co-ordinator with the Preston based Montserrat Association, and was there to greet the islanders.

He said: "Montserratians are a very resilient bunch and I am sure they will have no problems settling into life in East Lancashire, even if they will find it a little bit chilly.

"Local authorities who are opening their arms to these people and the local people who are making them welcome should be congratulated for the compassion they are showing."

Some more refugees from Montserrat could be housed in Pendle. A council spokesman said: "The Department of the Environment has sent us information and we are aware of the situation. We have not been asked to find places yet. If we are, we will look at what accommodation is available."

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