HALF of the Syrian refugees re-homed so far in the UK have been re-settled in Bradford, it was revealed today.

Horton Housing Association, based in Little Horton, was the first organisation in the country to sign up for the Government's Vulnerable Person’s Relocation Scheme (VPRS) when it was announced in March last year.

Since then, Horton Housing has resettled 106 of the 216 refugees who have come into the country through the VPRS, says its Chief Executive Officer Paul Gartland.

The city has become home to 52 adults and 54 children who have come from Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, to flee persecution in Syria.

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Mr Gartland said: "Our clients have settled into the city well and we wholeheartedly support the extension of the VPRS scheme to help more people who have escaped unimaginable horrors in their own country.”

Horton Housing works closely with partners including Bradford Council, private landlords, schools, its own training centre and other training providers and the Job Centre to make sure people coming to the city are given a warm welcome, said Mr Gartland.

“The support we offer includes providing suitable accommodation, access to education and health services, support with language skills and cultural orientation, and other housing-related support, including counselling, drop-in services and maintaining connections to family and friends. We help them to manage financially by offering training, help to access employment opportunities and benefits, where necessary.

Under the VPRS scheme, the most vulnerable refugees escaping the Syrian crisis are given humanitarian protection for five years with rights to work, welfare benefits, health and education and the right to apply for other family members to be reunited with them.