FLINTSHIRE Council looks set to join a movement aiming to make the UK a welcoming place to offer sanctuary for people fleeing violence and persecution.

The full council will meet on Tuesday to discuss Flintshire becoming a County of Sanctuary.

A report to members recommends the authority becomes a "non-awarded member" of the City of Sanctuary movement and in doing so signs up to its vision and values.

The movement aims to advance the education of the public in general and in particular the City of Sanctuary Network in subjects relating to refugees and those seeking asylum.

"Flintshire has a strong history of supporting refugees based on the work undertaken as part of the Syrian refugee programme," the report explains.

"This work has been further reinforced more recently through our approach and work supporting

the Afghan refugee programme.

"In that context therefore we are perhaps well placed to use this work to promote the county in further complimentary ways.

"The County has a rich diversity and welcomes all, irrespective of their background, it also recognises the contribution of refugees, migrants and those who seek sanctuary and is committed to welcoming them and including them in our local communities."

Awarded members of the moment go through and award appraisal process and gain recognition.

As a non-awarded member, the council would sign up to the vision and values of City of Sanctuary and commit to working towards the award.