Danuta Dzierzek, who was brought to England by her Polish parents after the Second World War, said she was appalled by Macclesfield Borough Council's decision to refuse homes for 10 families seeking asylum from Kosovo.

"Ten families will not be a burden on our lives," she said.

"We have more than enough to go around and we should be willing to share it with those who have nothing."

Ms Dzierzek's parents were sent as political exiles to a Siberian labour camp during the Second World War.

"My mother had typhoid and only weighed 4.5 stone when she left the camp," said Ms Dzierzek on Monday. "But she walked with my dad to Persia to join the Polish army."

After the war her pregnant mother joined other refugees as they headed for England.

But at the French port of Calais, her mother went into labour and gave birth to Danuta.

When she eventually landed on British soil, the other refugees had dispersed, and she was left alone for 48 hours on the platform at Victoria Station with her newborn baby.

"The station officers were really kind to us," said Ms Dzierzek. "It was the middle of December and they let us sleep in their office to keep warm."

On Monday Ms Dzierzek urged Macclesfield Borough Council to show compassion.

"Even if there isn't room for them in Macclesfield I know of empty flats in Knutsford where they could live," she said. "And I'd be willing to help them with their English."

No one was available for comment at Macclesfield.

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