A COUNCILLOR who has helped to improve the lives hundreds of refugees has been given a national honour.

Cllr John East, who has been a Darwen Rotary Club member for 11 years, was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of the support he has given to those who have fled conflict areas.

The 68-year-old was one of the founders of the Darwen Asylum Seekers and Refugee Enterprise (DARE), which meets every Wednesday night at the Central United Reformed Church.

Refugees and asylum seekers from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan can go and learn English as well as get advice on finding employment.

Cllr East, who is a member of Darwen Town Council, said: “I am delighted to receive this award. It is a real privilege.

“Since we set up DARE about four years ago we’ve had some really great success stories.

“One of the refugees who attended is now working for the United Nations and some others have become nurses.

“I have always wanted to make sure that the UK keeps up its tradition of supporting people in need from conflict areas.

“I am glad that our work has been recognised by Rotary."

Around 30 to 40 people attend the drop-in free sessions at DARE every week where a variety of volunteers offer their time to help refugees.

The dad-of-three and granddad-of-two has represented the Whitehall ward since the town council’s formation in 2008.

He was also part of the creation of the Asylum Refugee Community project based at Wesley Hall Methodist Church in Blackburn.

Last year Cllr East was involved with the set-up of Darwen Heritage Centre inside Holker House in Railway Road, which now plays host to historic artefacts from the town.

Alec Stuttard, secretary of Darwen Rotary, said: “This is not an award that is routinely given out to rotary members and there are some years where no one has received one.

“You really have to work for it and John has done that.

“He thoroughly deserves this for all the effort he has put into the community and in particular the work he has done with refugees."