REFUGEES were left with tales to tell after a walk on the wild side in Hay-on-Wye.

The Hay Theatre Group ensured the visitors enjoyed their trip to the border town's primary school when they put on a play.

There was also face-painting and craft workshops for the guests at the event organised by the Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR).

“Tigers, monkeys and dragons roared but there was no cause for concern," said HBTSR's chair Margaret Blake.

The school’s dining room was swiftly transformed into an auditorium, complete with scenery and stage lighting, and all – young and old alike – settled down expectantly.

“Hay Theatre Group provided a real treat of entertainment, involving everyone in the process," added Ms Blake.

"Monkeys exhibited their cheeky mischief; tigers and other animals struggled to co-exist with human beings and the baby green dragon grew before our eyes into a fearsome monster – before morphing into a landmark: the Dragon’s Back.”

The more energetic visitors headed off for a walk, led by Gez Richards, into the neighbouring countryside.

“They were clearly intrigued to have an international boundary pointed out to them in the midst of the Welsh countryside," said Ms Blake.

Supporters and the local community were again on hand to provide food and essentials, and visitors left with a boot-load of food and toiletries not only for themselves but also for the other refugees and asylum seekers served by Unity in Diversity and Swansea Asylum Seekers Support groups.

“Such days do not happen by accident but by the hard work, planning and generosity of so many,” Lawrence Duffy, treasurer to the group, said.

“Our thanks go to headteacher Alexine Bartholomew, the staff, PTFA and pupils and parents of Hay School, and Claire Armstrong and her team of helpers.

One of the refugees said he was so amazed by the beauty of the countryside and the warm welcome received that, if it were possible in the future, he would move to Hay.