Campaigners who have been lobbying a council to take in Syrian refugee families for the past two years are “extremely grateful” their hard work has finally paid off.

After Waltham Forest Council pledged to take in 10 families in October 2015, the group had a “frustrating” wait to see the plans come to fruition.

Waltham Forest Refugees Welcome was set up after the Government announced it would take up to 20,000 Syrian refugees.

The first family arrived in the borough this month and the second is expected to arrive before Christmas.

Chairman of WFRW Douglas Saltmarshe said: “We are extremely grateful that at las the council has moved forward with this.

“What is happening in Syria and the Middle East is gravely distressing and that these needy families can find a welcome in Waltham Forest is great.

“There’s a tremendous amount of concern for the refugees in the borough and there are many people who would like to do what they can to welcome them and help them integrate.

“It is hugely positive and heart-warming to see.”

The families in refugee camps in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan were selected by UNHCR and will be supported for the first year by the Single Homeless Project working with WFRW.

They will receive help with setting up bank accounts, registering with a GP, enrolling children in schools, learning English and looking for work opportunities.

Waltham Forest has already taken in 57 unaccompanied minors seeking asylum who arrived in the UK from Calais and other migrant camps across Europe.

WFRW has been helping the youths settle into life in London and hosted a ‘Wall of Welcome’ at this year’s E17 Art Trail in Walthamstow to gather support from the community.

Cllr Clare Coghill, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: “I know many residents of our multicultural borough will offer a warm welcome to these families who have been through so much in their war-ravaged country.

“We are proud to offer resettlement to these innocent people to build a new life.

“There has been an amazing amount of enthusiasm among our community in helping the families with social integration, befriending and practical support.

“Local community groups are also supporting parents with finding training and work experience.

“At the same time health services will be offering invaluable psychological support to these families after the horrific scenes they have witnessed in their homeland.”