Refugees from Afghanistan who have recently resettled in Cumbria have been welcomed on board one of Windermere Lake Cruises’ vessels as part of Mitzvah Day.

The international, interfaith event is a special Jewish-led community day of social action, bringing together groups of people from all walks of life and local events were hosted in Hawkshead on Sunday, November 21.

Organisers have worked with local attractions including Windermere Lake Cruises – and local communities – to give Cumbria’s newest residents the cruise experience as part of a weekend of relaxation and enjoyment.

Organiser Abigail Mann said: “We want this Mitzvah Day event to help the refugees with integration, language and to develop relationships with the local community.

"The refugees have had little opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings in which they find themselves and we’re so grateful to Windermere Lake Cruises for kindly donating this trip out on Windermere.

"The refugees are all different ages and have had differing experiences.

"The aim is to give the refugees an enjoyable day out and to create lasting memories for everyone involved.”

After the cruise, from Lakeside to Ambleside, the refugees travelled to Hawkshead where local residents prepared typical English afternoon tea for everyone.

Produce was donated by local companies including Hawkshead Relish and the Chocolate Factory.

The event was also attended by the High Sheriff of Cumbria David Beeby.

Nigel Wilkinson, managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises, said: “We were delighted to welcome this group of refugees from Afghanistan on board one of our vessels.

"Thousands of men, women and children have risked their lives to flee their country to find peace.

“Mitzvah Day is an important community event and Cumbria itself is very much a county where community spirit thrives.

"We feel privileged to be in a position where we can offer them this experience.”

As part of Mitzvah Day, volunteers are collecting laptops which will be refurbished and distributed to refugees resettling in Cumbria.

For anyone wishing to donate - HSBC branches across Cumbria are setting up laptop donation points in their branches.

Laptops need to be no more than six years old, in working order with built in webcams and speakers and have chargers.

Qualified IT engineers can volunteer to join the team refurbishing laptops by contacting contact@cowc.co.uk