AN OTLEY-BASED charity has published a pioneering book about the role Polish people have played in the UK.

Poles in the UK: A Story of Friendship and Cooperation is the result of a collaboration between writer Brin Best, from Otley, and Leeds-based Polish co-author Maria Zukowska.

Published by the British Polonia Foundation, which has its headquarters in the town, the book examines the many ways in which Polish people have helped the UK, both during peace and at times of war.

It includes interviews with, and contributions from, more than 50 people - from a variety of professions including in health, teaching and business - who are living and working in Britain today.

Mr Best, who provides the Nature Notes column for the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer, said: "I began working on this book as I was shocked by how few of my friends knew that more than one hundred Polish fighter pilots fought

in the Battle of Britain alongside their British counterparts.

"And the more research I did, the more connections I found between Polish people and the UK."

Miss Zukowska added: "The story of Anglo-Polish cooperation over the ages is rich and fascinating, but is often overlooked.

"As a Polish and British citizen, I hope that this book introduces something new and positive and helps to build bridges and deepen Polish-British ties."

The authors are also planning to carry out educational work in schools across Yorkshire as part of the project, involving Polish and British children.

The 248 page, full colour book is supporting the #PolesinUK campaign whose mission statement is to 'change the image of Poles in the UK'.

It is on sale now in bookshops and online.

The 700,000 strong Polish community has been one of the worst affected from a rise in racist and xenophobic hate-crime following the EU referendum.

Last week 40 year old Arkadiusz Jozwik died from head injuries following an unprovoked attack on him and another Polish man, who survived, in Harlow, Essex.

Police are treating the killing as a possible hate crime and have arrested six teenagers.

For more details about the #PolesinUK campaign visit facebook.com/polesinuk .