A GLASGOW professor has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her work with asylum seekers in the city.

Professor Josephine Angela Haythornthwaite was celebrated at a glittering ceremony on International Women’s Day on Friday.

The England-native is an ambassador for bringing people together to appreciate other cultures.

She has been Convener of Maryhill Integration Network for five years but her involvement with the Network began in 2002, soon after its founding.

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She’s said to play a “very active role” in the integration of refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, and ethnic minority groups within local communities.

The kind-hearted academic has even provided accommodation in her own home, as a member of Positive Action in Housing, for more than 10 years – with her most recent guest staying with her for three years.

Speaking at the ceremony, she said: “I’m utterly thrilled to be here and to receive this wonderful honour.

“Glasgow is a genuinely a very caring city and I find that wonderful.

“Being an outsider from England I’m so happy to live in Glasgow and it’s a warm-hearted place.”

As other organisations become aware of the work Professor Haythornthwaite is involved in, links have been established between Maryhill Integration Network and other agencies, such as the Night Shelter in Glasgow, where the professor has helped provide beds, shoes and clothing for homeless men in the city.

She also works to raise funds by hosting events in her home and collecting clothes and furniture from friends across Scotland.

Almost 100 families have benefited from this project.

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When she’s not working the former chief librarian at Glasgow Caledonian University takes refugee families on days out across the country, in a bid to introduce them to Scotland’s countryside, and to cultural events in the city.

Lord Provost Eva Bolander, acting as Lord Lieutenant, said: “Her passion to help is infectious and encourages others to contribute.

“She has campaigned and lobbied on behalf of the refugee community and of individuals and families in numerous groups, organisations and institutions.

“Professor Haythornthwaite was Chief Librarian at Glasgow Caledonian University and on retirement her interest in libraries has not waned and she organised classes, and teaches English, to asylum seekers and refugees from 2002 until 2016.”

However, it’s not just those in Scotland benefitting from the good Samaritan’s work.

After being recruited as a volunteer consultant and trainer with British Executive Service Overseas, she visited developing countries across the world lecturing and training staff, as well writing development plans and helping to establish college and university libraries in Thailand, Vietnam and Ethiopia.