A NEW foundation has been set up to help support Muslims who are now living in Inverclyde.
At a recent cultural festival held in Greenock's Craigend Resource Centre, community leaders welcomed people from countries across the world.
The organisers hope to bring Syrians, Afghans, Pakistanis, Nigerians and other nationalities together to help their families settle and stay in the area.
New Scots were joined at the event by MSP Stuart McMillan and others as everyone celebrated the contribution they have made in the district.
One of the organisers, Ahmed Muhammad, said: "There have been many New Scots and refugees moving here.
"We want to show that Inverclyde is a place where you can settle and be happy. It is a good town to live in and people do not have to go to Glasgow or other places.
"We want to support families who have come here from Pakistan, Syria, Nigerian, Afghanistan and other countries.
"On the night we recognised the achievements of people who live here and who have been really successful, including professors and scientists. We have so much to celebrate and there are people who have made a real contribution.
"What we want to do is bring people from all our different communities together."
At the Craigend cultural festival there was food, arts, crafts and activities to entertain all the families in attendance.
Abdul Hamid, Syed Mansoor Alam and Ammar Muhammed Abbas helped Ahmed to arrange the event. Dad-of-two Ahmed, 32, has lived in Inverclyde for six years and is originally from Pakistan.
He told the Tele: "We want people to feel part of the community and support them to continue to live here and make a life in Inverclyde. It is a wonderful place to stay, very welcoming. "
Afghan refugee Abdul, who now lives in Port Glasgow after fleeing Kabul, added: "I live here with wife and five children and we are very settled in Port Glasgow and like it there very much.
"I want to help other families and children settle in. Family is so important to us."
On the back of the cultural festival, the organisers have set up a Inverclyde Muslim Foundation with the hope of putting a means in place for people to connect.
They hope to build on existing events and activities already in place, including football coaching sessions in Greenock Sports Centre.
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