THE FIRST Syrian refugee family is due to arrive in East Hampshire next month.

So they have the chance of a normal life after escaping war torn Syria, it’s not being revealed where in the district they will live.

They are coming here direct from a refugee camp in, or around, Syria, after being vetted by the Home Office.

Hampshire County Council, East Hampshire District Council, the Rural Refugee Network, and local church and faith groups, have combined to provide the house.

Rural Refugee network spokesman Julia Thistleton-Smith, who is from Langrish, said: “We appealled for private housing for Syrian families and were delighted by the response.

“Thanks to the offers the life of one Syrian family will be transformed, with the opportunity to replace fear with hope, and we look forward to welcoming them.”

Qualified English teachers from the Petersfield based network have offered one-to-one English lessons for the family, so the children can start school, and the parents can find work.

The British Red Cross will also help, and it’s hoped in a year or so the family will be virtually self-supporting.

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds said: “I congratulate the Rural Refugee Network, Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council in enabling this to happen.”

District council leader Ferris Cowper said: “Council officers will support the family and help them settle in when they arrive.”

The refugee network is still raising funds, and on February 21, there is a short fundraising walk, starting at 10.30am at Buriton pond, followed by a talk from Syrian Amaf Yousef.

Julia added: “We are still looking for private landlords so please get in touch if you might be able to help.”

To contact Julia, e-mail [email protected]