PEOPLE gathered at a village hall to celebrate the culture of Afghanistan.

More than 80 people attended Tockholes Village Hall for the event which was organised to try and change people's perspective on life in the country.

The night included food, music, dance and videos which showed the sites of the country.

Some even learnt to write their name in the native language of Pashto.

One of the organisers Zarqa Khavas, 18, set up the event after helping people to learn languages at the Darwen Asylum Seekers and Refugee Enterprise drop-in session.

The teenager, who came to Blackburn nine years ago from Afghanistan as a refugee, said: “I spoke with John East, one of the founders of the drop-in sessions and we thought this would be a really good idea.

“We wanted people to get a better understanding of what life is actually like in Afghanistan because a lot of people have the wrong perspective.

“We don’t want people to just think of war when they think of Afghanistan.

“We showed videos that showed our beautiful mountains and seas and some of our food and dancing.

“We were only expecting about 50 people so it was amazing to get more than 80. I was so impressed with how everyone engaged with activities.

“I even got someone asking me if we could organise an event in Skipton, so we’re really spreading a positive message.”

The Darwen Asylum Seekers and Refugee Enterprise meets every Wednesday evening at the Central United Reformed Church.

Visitors can work on their English and get advice about employment.

People including those who can trace their heritage back to Sudan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey filled the recently-refurbished village hall.

Other organisers included Shabnam Saifi, Mohammad Aimal Aryan and Tabinda Khavas.

It was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Darwen.

Mr East, club secretary, said: “A wonderful evening was had by all celebrating the culture, food and dance, specially organised by young Afghans living in our community.

“It was fantastic to learn more about what the country was really all about with more than 80 people showing up.”

There are now plans to hold an Arabian night in Darwen at some point during the autumn.

Zarqa said: “I moved here about nine years ago and it is so different to what I was used to.

“But I absolutely love it. The UK is a brilliant country.

“It was an excellent evening and I hope the Arabian night will be the same.”