FAMILIES from the war-torn African country of Congo have begun settling into homes in Lanarkshire.

The 22 refugees are living in Motherwell and two further groups will also be housed by North Lanarkshire Council in the next few weeks, bringing the total number to 80.

Local people helped out by donating toys for children, clothes for babies, scarves, gloves and coats.

They also managed to find a local shop selling African food and had supplies ready for the families when they arrived.

North Lanarkshire Council is the first Scottish authority to take part in the Gateway Protection Programme, a refugee resettlement programme.