A fundraiser has been launched to help settle refugees fleeing Afghanistan in a Scots council area.

So far 18 volunteers from East Dumbartonshire have raised nearly £6,000 by walking the distance between Syria and Scotland which is just under 3,000 miles.

The team have completed 37% of the journey and are determined to raise a total of £9,000 to offer safe accommodation and support to a refugee family.

A post on the fundraising page said: "We are 18 volunteers from East Dunbartonshire, living in towns like Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch and Lenzie.

"We are blessed to live in a beautiful area and want to offer safe accommodation and support to a refugee family from somewhere in the world.

"Too many families' lives are paused because of war and conflict. We have it in our power to offer them a fresh start.

"To help inspire you, we are walking the equivalent distance between Syria and Scotland as part of the fundraising effort.

"The sooner we hit the fundraising target, the sooner we will be able to get a family over here. Please give whatever you can."

Volunteers will help families' through the The Home Office Community Sponsorship Scheme and everyone they provide aid to will be approved refugees.

The money will go towards proving private rented accommodation so fleeing families' will not need to be placed in social housing.

The cash will also go towards providing support and assistance to enable them to live safely as volunteers will help out with securing education, health and employment access.

Citizens UK is supporting the fundraiser and it can be accessed by clicking here.

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