TWO families from Afghanistan have arrived in Welshpool after escaping the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Powys has agreed to house up to six families as part of a Home Office funded resettlement scheme, with an appeal for residents to be welcoming and accommodating.

Welshpool Rotary Club stepped in to help the two families being housed in the town, who arrived in rural Wales with very few possessions.

On behalf of the Rotary Club, Wendy Beaven said: “Welshpool Rotary Club has been pleased to support and co ordinate the appeal for assistance for two families of Afghan refugees rehomed in the Welshpool area.

“Phil Owen, president of Welshpool Club and Ian Hughes who has co-ordinated the appeal have been overwhelmed by the offers received to date from members of the public, which include essential items of bedding and household goods as well as electrical items soft toys, books and clothing.

“As more families are arriving shortly all items will be greatly appreciated, the appeal is at present closed but the organisers urge everyone who has already offered support to honour their pledges and they will be contacted in due course.”

Thousands of families are being resettled across the UK following the massive number of refuges created by the Taliban takeover.

Between August 14 and August 31 in 2021, more than 123,000 people were evacuated from the country via airlift, one of the largest evacuation operations in US military history.

Most of the evacuees included vulnerable Afghan citizens such as journalists, human rights activists and others who feared retribution as the Taliban who took control of the country in a matter of days.

As the two families settle, two more are expected to arrive in Welshpool.

Rotarian Ian Hughes said: “It has all been very daunting for these young families who have been through so much already. We are working with the people that are supporting them to show that they are welcome here.

“Two Afghan families are now in place in the town, and already they are benefiting from the support shown. Two more families will be arriving before the end of the month. If we then need additional items we will reopen the appeal.”