THE diversity of Harrow is being celebrated in the ninth annual Refugee Week festival this week.

This year's campaign has been focused on the positive relationships that are formed between refugees and British born people - from friends to neighbours to work colleagues.

Research carried found that nearly ten thousand people volunteer each year to help refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, giving up an estimated 1.3 million hours of their time.

Refugee Week chairman Tim Finch said: "This research shows that Britain's tradition of welcoming people fleeing from danger is still alive and kicking.

"In recent years, some sections of the media and some politicians have helped to foster the idea that the vast majority of Britons are only interested in stopping people getting here in the first place or kicking them out as soon as possible.

"But this survey tells a different story of a large number of people who are so supportive of refugees that they will give up their time freely to help them."

The Harrow Refugee Forum, an umbrella organisation for refugee and minority ethnic community organisations in the borough, is holding a number of events this week.

Refugee World Day was yesterday marked with an event themed Claiming Sanctuary - A Journey Full of Pitfalls and Success Stories.

The mayor of Harrow Jean Lammiman, Harrow Council leader Chris Mote, opposition leader Cllr Navin Shah, Cllr Bill Stephenson, British Refugee Council vice-chair Helena Ismail attended the event.

On Saturday, June 23, children activities, live music and cultural activities will be on show at Whitmore High School, on Porlock Avenue, from 2pm to 9pm.

During the evening programme, which starts at 5pm, there will be British music, jazz and traditional music from refugee communities.

Guest speakers will include MP Tony McNulty and Cllr Bill Stephenson.