SIX more Syrian families will be allowed to seek refuge in parts of North Oxfordshire.

Cherwell District Council agreed on Tuesday night to rehome 50 refugees from the war-torn country, from six families, within its boundaries.

This is on top of a previous commitment to resettle six families in the district, the last of which is expected to arrive in the next couple of months.

A report presented to the council's executive board stated: "Cherwell District Council is well placed to resettle refugees within the district.

"There are strong partnerships with other statutory and voluntary partners which have helped the delivery of the project to date.

"There is considerable community support, especially from faith groups."

The council's pledge to resettle the initial six families was made in 2016, as part of a Government project to welcome up to 20,000 Syrian refugees between 2015 and 2020.

Councillors at the meeting agreed they had a duty to continue offering help.

The report, compiled by a council officer, added: "The refugee families are extremely satisfied with the help and support they receive.

"The resettlement of refugees has been very successful to date.

"The project is supported with funding for Cherwell to claim and is expected to be delivered at nil cost to the council."

Refugees will be rehomed in private rental houses, to avoid taking social housing away from Oxfordshire residents.