A refugee who has left his family behind after fleeing Afghanistan is hoping to play the guitar again.

The 21-year-old musician is now living in Ashford after escaping his homeland following the Taliban takeover - but he does not have an instrument to play.

In a bid to get him strumming again, Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has taken to social media appealing for someone with a guitar going spare to donate it.

Posting on Facebook, the borough council said: "We're once again in need of a donation from our caring borough, with an appeal to help a 21-year-old musician who has left his family behind in Afghanistan.

"If anyone is able to offer a basic guitar, our resettlement team would be willing to collect."

The UK has promised to take in thousands of refugees from Afghanistan after Kabul fell to the Taliban, and Ashford has come forward with other Kent local authorities to offer a welcome to those resettling here.

Conservative leader of the authority, Cllr Gerry Clarkson, has been forthright in his determination for the borough to play its part, even in the face of potential opposition from people living locally.

"We must help these people..."

"First and foremost, we are keen because it's a moral imperative to us because we are a caring borough," he said.

"We must help these people, these are people who helped us. We have a loyalty and respect for them and we need to help them."

If you have a guitar you would be happy to donate, please email rgriffiths@thekmgroup.co.uk

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