Norfolk has reached a milestone as the number of refugees helped to build new lives in the county since 2017 topped 500.

The majority of the 501 resettled with help from Norfolk County Council's People from Abroad team had fled persecution in Syria and Afghanistan.

And 276 of those were children at the time when they arrived in the United Kingdom.

Alison ThomasAlison Thomas (Image: Archant)

Alison Thomas, the Conservative-controlled council's cabinet member for adult social care, said: "In the UK we are lucky to live in safety and be free to go about our business, regardless of the circumstances of our birth or our political opinions.

"It’s vital we don’t forget that for some people in the world, that simple freedom is denied, and that some people are forced to flee their homes by violence and persecution.

“I never cease to be amazed by the huge amount of work our teams do to ensure those who arrive in this country have the best start possible."

Brian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrats at Norfolk County CouncilBrian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrats at Norfolk County Council (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Brian Watkins, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group, said: "It is a testament to our county’s willingness to step up when needed."

The refugees have settled in Norfolk since the opening of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons scheme in February 2017, which was subsequently incorporated into the government’s UK Resettlement Scheme, which continues to support refugees coming to the UK.

The council said 50pc of the refugees were from Syria, 40pc from Afghanistan and the others from a variety of other countries.

The figures reflect the number of refugees resettled in Norfolk and do not include those who do not legally hold refugee status, such as people seeking asylum or the 623 Ukrainians currently hosted in Norfolk under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The work supporting these refugees is funded by the UK government as part of these schemes, and carried out by Norfolk County Council with all seven district, borough and city councils, health and voluntary sector partners.

The Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of NorwichThe Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich

The Bishop of Norwich the Rt Rev Graham Usher said: “Norfolk County Council’s People from Abroad Team has a strong reputation for their compassion and care for the refugees they resettle."

The individuals resettled in Norfolk were referred to the United Kingdom by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

People are invited to make donations to help people build their new lives. Details are at www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/43939/Help-support-refugee-resettlement