REFUGEES spent the day visiting the grounds of Penpont House last weekend where they were treated to a day of activities and donations

Despite torrential rain greeting the refugees they explored the grounds to try horse riding, lamb petting and woodcarving.

They were treated to an array of food, tea and cakes.

The event, which was organised by Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR), brought together people from Syria, Nigeria, Sudan, Oman, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Iran, Ghana and Sri Lanka.

Donations of groceries, toiletries and clothing were provided by Sennybridge school, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, Brecon Foodbank, residents of Llanfihangel Nant Bran, along with supermarkets Morrisons and Aldi.

More than 100 bags were given to supplement the rations normally available on an asylum seeker’s grant and, after people had chosen from the clothing, more than 30 bags were given to Swansea Humanitarian Aid Response Project (SHARP) to send to refugee camps around Europe and the Middle East as well being made available to local people in need.

The respite day was arranged after HBTSR chair Margaret Blake approached Penpont owners Gavin and Vina Hogg about hosting an event.

“None of this would have been possible without the support, generosity and welcome of so many local people," said Mrs Blake.

"We live in troubled times and those displaced, through no fault of their own, need friends more than ever and need action and practical assistance, not rhetoric”