REFUGEES who fled war-torn Syria are now thriving in Furness as business-owners, trainee hairdressers, university students and more.

Among these success stories is Faten Almregawe who escaped Syria with her husband and two sons.

Faten spoke little English when she arrived in Furness in 2019.

Two years later, she is enrolled in college studying hairdressing, has passed her driving theory test and volunteers at both The Forum and Signal Film and Media.

Faten's latest venture is pop-up catering with mum-of-two Manar, a member of another Furness family from Syria.

The pop-up catering, based in Ormsgill Community Centre, will initially offer takeaways when it launches on November 6.

Fatan has even contributed a chapter to a recent book, 'I Cannot Get This Wrong', by Dr Sarah Madigan.

In it, Faten describes her life with her loving, extended family in 'the amazing city of Homs' - now largely reduced to rubble by the war.

An extract reads: "Do you know how it feels to start a new life at the age of 30 - in a new country that is different from the country where you were born in every aspect including language, culture, religion, traditions and laws?"

Before the Covid pandemic, Faten spent time in schools, helping young people to understand what it is like to leave a war, and she is due to talk to a group from a rotary club in a few weeks.

Her husband, Mahmoud, has also launched a successful gardening business.

Faten and Mahmoud's tale is by no means the only success story among families helped to settle here by the volunteer group Furness Refugee Support.

One Syrian woman is now in her final year of a maths degree at Leeds University and plans to be a teacher.

Another Syrian mum has just started volunteering at the mums and tots group at the Salvation army and plans to start a health and social care course at Furness College next September.

Her husband has recently completed a work trial delivering meals for a local restaurant.

Now Furness Refugee are ready to help new arrivals, this time from Afghanistan.

But volunteers were shocked when the first Afghan family arrived in Furness with nothing.

As more families are due to arrive, Furness Refugee Support is hoping people will help by donating what they can.

"The first Afghan family to come here a few weeks ago didn't even have warm clothes - not even a coat for their baby," said Linda Wood, a founder member of Furness Refugee Support.

"More families will be arriving soon and we expect they will have nothing either."

It takes two to three months for the Department of Work and Pensions to sort out benefits for new refugees, explained Mrs Wood.

She said: "They get a small amount a week from the county council while they wait, but not enough to buy everything they need.

"We had to find the new family children's clothes, shoes, coats - even furniture and cooking equipment, as the council provide just the very basics.

"We have regular fundraising events but more is always needed and if people would like to, they can send money to Furness Refugee Support."

The group has supported ten families - six have moved on for a variety of reasons - and expects to welcome three or four more Afghan families.

For the group's active volunteers, the rewards are great, says retired Barrow GP Liz Nugent.

She said: "We have all made lifelong friends and we love Syrian food.

"The families really appreciate what we do - they often make us delicious meals - but nothing can possibly make up for their experiences before leaving their homes and on their journeys here.

"The children have all settled well into schools and are taking part in football clubs, a gym and the youth club at Furness Multi Cultural Community Forum.

"The families all help and support each other."

To make a donation, visit the Furness Refugee Support Facebook page.