A valued volunteer who has run the Umbrella Family Group for more than six years has organised her last meeting - and the group is now looking for a replacement.

Ela Orlinska started helping at the group in 2013 and has been instrumental in turning it into a flourishing body which has helped many feel welcome in Halton.

She has organised many events including Polish food tasting and Father Christmas visiting the children.

Halton borough Cllr Keith Morley, who has long-supported the group and recently became its chairman, said: "We are always looking for more members.

"It is a very welcoming group and families from originate from anywhere and now live in Halton can attend.

"We will miss Ela and her enthusiasm and drive." 

Anyone who wants to permanently takeover can contact Cllr Morley to discuss at keith.morley@halton.gov.uk 

Halton Borough Council's executive board member for health and wellbeing Cllr Marie Wright also paid tribute to Ela: "She has worked very hard for the families for a number of years and will be missed by everyone."

In the regular meetings families of different nationalities, mostly from Poland, also from Turkey and Slovakia living in Halton meet up: the children play together or do arts and crafts with Halton Council children's centre staff.

The International Family Club - Rainbow Umbrella - meets once a month on Wednesdays, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, at St John's Church Hall near Victoria Park, and the next one will be in September.

For more information email: umbrellahalton@outlook.com