A NEW group of Syrian refugee families are now settling into life in Wiltshire having been welcomed by their compatriots who are marking their own first year anniversary here this December.

Four families arrived last month (November) with a total of 62 Syrian refugees now living in the county.

Volunteers and Syrian refugees who have been living here for some time have been helping the new arrivals.

The first group of 27 refugees - eight families and individuals – arrived in the country on December 2, 2015.

Speaking at a recent Salisbury Area Board meeting, Wiltshire Council's community area manager Karen Linaker said: "During this year we have settled two families in Salisbury and it's very likely we will be settling further families this year and next year.

"We have had an astonishing response from the community. We've got about 30 volunteers signed up and supporting those families and another 47 people have stepped forward recently to join that team.

"I know that John Procter from Alabare and Salisbury Churches Together would want to thank the community for such an amazing response."

The newest arrivals were welcomed to Wiltshire by John Thomson, deputy leader of Wiltshire Council, at an event where representatives from a number of agencies were available to give advice and support.

Cllr Thomson said: “This one year anniversary marks a milestone in welcoming Syrian refugee families and individuals to Wiltshire. We are extremely grateful to our many volunteers who provide one to one support to ensure they have everything they need to deal with the challenges of moving to another country and culture.

“A great help for our newest residents is seeing those who have been here for some time settling into their communities and making new lives for themselves here, learning English, seeking employment and contributing to Wiltshire life. It gives them great hope for the future.”

Wiltshire Council says it has continued to work with key partners including Wiltshire Police, health colleagues and the Department for Work and Pensions as part of a "strong multi-agency approach" to ensure the refugees have all they need to settle quickly into their new homes.

A council spokesman added: "Charities, faith groups, community groups and volunteers have been a key part of the response providing general support to help the refugees adapt."