A BRAVE Syrian refugee who fled her war-torn home for safety in Inverclyde has told how she forged a new life here as she welcomes new Afghan refugees to the area.

Rana Skawi arrived in Scotland three years ago after being left with no option bit to flee her dangerous Damascus home with her family.

The grandmother was one of hundreds of thousands of Syrians forced to leave the country and since arriving here, she has carved out a new beginning for herself in Port Glasgow.

As well as going to college to study fashion design, the inspirational 46-year-old has also managed to make new friends and get her driving licence.

The mum to Muna, Amar, Amira and Hasna was invited to speak at a special refugee event this week held at the Beacon Arts Centre.

She says she hopes to instil hope into the 17 Afghan families who were at the event after arriving in the district from Afghanistan.

Rana, who is married to Fowad, told the Tele: "When I first had to leave Syria I was very scared.

"I know the Afghans will be feeling the same.

"We had left Syria to live in Egypt and then we moved to Scotland.

"It was very hard - we lost everything and did not speak English when we arrived.

"But our new life is amazing."

The welcome event, organised by Inverclyde Community Development Trust, the council, CVS Inverclyde, Your Voice, the Beacon Arts Centre and Compassionate Inverclyde was a chance for families to come together to meet new people and be embraced by the area.

Rana, who studies at West College Scotland, says she hopes New Scots will be 'given hope' by her story.

She told the Tele: "I've never spoken to a big group before so I was very proud to share my story.

"I want these people to know things are different, that they are safe here.

"Back home I would not have been able to do these things.

"Here in Inverclyde I am able to get an education, make friends and try and forget what happened.

"It is a whole new life and I am very happy.

"The people here are so friendly.

"I hope the Afghans hear my story and feel excited about their future."

Paul Haggerty, who co-ordinates the Supportive Communities Befriending Project which pairs New Scots up with local volunteers to help integrate them into the community, was involved in arranging the Beacon get-together.

He said: "It was great to see Rana stand up and give a talk about her experience.

"She is an amazing example of someone who has arrived here and has become so integrated into their new community.

"It was important for the new families to hear from someone like Rana who has lived experience and understands what they are going through.

"It was special and hopefully will be a source of inspiration to many."