CLOSER links have been forged between the women of Pendle and Palestine following a groundbreak-ing exchange trip.

Last Easter a delegation from the borough visited Beit Leed, a small town on the West Bank.

And this year their Palestinian hosts travelled in the opposite direction to witness life in Nelson and Colne.

One of the organisers, Ayeshah Jones, said: "We were made very welcome in Beit Leed, and it was good to have the chance to return the favour.

"We were very pleased that in the short time they were in Pendle our guests were able to meet a lot of people and explain the ways the Palestinians are suffering under the Israeli occupation."

The visitors gave a public talk in Brierfield and spoke to staff and students at Nelson and Colne College.

The delegates also met Coun Alan Buck, the Mayor of Pendle, and visited Netherfield Road mosque in Nelson.

Delegate Wisfia Othman said: "People here have been very kind.

"They were shocked by what we told them about Palestine."

"We are glad that people in Pendle are not stopped by checkpoints on the roads like in Palestine."