TWO Syrian friends who lost touch with each other during their flight from the war-torn country to Europe were reunited on a farm in a small Welsh village.

The friends, and their families, had been together at a refugee camp in Lebanon but did not find each other until Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees' (HBTSR) latest away day in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

One family now lives in Newport, and the other in Swansea, and they had no idea of where each other was until they met at the day in Crai.

HBTSR was set up to co-ordinate a local response to the refugee crisis.

HBTSR's Ailsa Dunn said: "People will have so many great memories of the day. My favourite was seeing the Syrian friends reunited. Their joy and their smiles at meeting will stay with me for a very long time."

More than 80 asylum seekers and refugees from South Wales' three cities spent a day at Aberhyddnant Farm, hosted by owner Liz Matthews and family, HBTSR and many local volunteers.

As well as arts, crafts and a tour of the farm, the event also featured its own South Wales derby, as visitors from Cardiff and Swansea took the chance to have a game of football.

Guides and Brownies, together with local people, had donated bags of toiletries for the visitors to take back with them, and the day was rounded off with an impromptu 'sing off' between Eritreans and Syrians.

HBTSR wants to thank the Matthews family and friends who made this day out possible, its increasing number of supporters who contribute in so many ways and its visitors from Swansea, Cardiff and Newport who came and made the day so special.

To find out more go to http://hbtsr.org.uk/ or on its Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/1481176695519368/