Refugee family relishing "new start" in Woking.
Ahmad Shafaee and his family had to flee Afghanistan in 2021 after it was taken over by the Taliban.
A refugee living in Woking say he and his family are enjoying life in the Surrey town, having had to flee Afghanistan after it was taken over by the Taliban.
Ahmad Shafaee and his family eventually settled in Woking in 2021 after being forced to leave the country.
"Everything was destroyed"
He told Greatest Hits Radio what it was like to be forced to flee Afghanistan.
"They said the Taliban entered the cities. It was really a disaster, at that time we realised that we lost everything.
"Our bank account was frozen... everything was destroyed."
Ahmad told us that they had to leave a lot behind.
"There was no controls and the security was very bad. I left with the family to the airport, and they told us that we can't take anything with us, just a fully charged phone and just a pair of shoes and waters."
This meant that Ahmad was unable to bring his laptop, which contained treasured family memories, including pictures and footage from their wedding ceremony.
Ahmad, who is a journalist, is now working for the BBC, and his family is enjoying their new life in Woking.
Ahmad's wife volunteers her giving back to the community, with their three children also thriving. His children are doing well academically, with his son enjoying after school clubs such as cricket and chess.
"My eldest daughter is on a scholarship in her school... and I found a job in the BBC in London. It was a new start for us and a new hope.
"My son found a good school and made a good friend in the school, he plays guitar and other things. My youngest daughter is doing very well, her painting was displayed in Woking Railway Station and is the councillor of her class.
"We just encouraged them to be a very good part of your society, they listened to us and do their best."
Since 2015, over 300 refugees have resettled in Woking, fleeing conflict in their home countries and seeking refuge.