AN MP said he is proud that his town is offering a safe haven to the largest proportion of asylum seekers in England.

Government guidelines stipulate no local authority in England should need to accommodate more than one asylum seeker per 200 of population.

However, currently Middlesbrough, with a population of around 138,000, is the only area in the country exceeding this quota.

Latest figures released in a council report to be discussed on Monday show it is accommodating 982 asylum seekers - representing 142 per cent of the Government prescribed limit.

Andy McDonald, Middlesbrough MP has defended the figures but said he was meeting with the Minister for Immigration and Security to ensure the town is able to cope with the influx.

“People seeking asylum have fled their home country for a whole number of reasons, with many escaping death and torture,” he said.

“I am proud to live in a country where we offer sanctuary and solace to people in such circumstances

“The issue of asylum seekers is often portrayed as a problem but the benefits are often ignored.

“I have already spoken in person to the relevant Minister, James Brokenshire, about the ability of the statutory authorities to properly respond in circumstances where the numbers seeking asylum exceed Government limits in any given area,” Mr McDonald added.

In recent years the town has seen an increase in the number of asylum seekers placed there through Government funded contracts awarded due to its cheap housing.

Justice First supports refugees from across the Tees Valley. Its manager, Dr Pete Widlinski, said: “I do understand people in Middlesbrough have concerns about immigration but these are people who are literally fleeing for their lives and as a civil society and a community we need to be able to offer them refuge.”

The charity helped husband and wife Larry and Lucinda after they fled Nigeria following the birth of their second child, a daughter.

Determined she should not undergo Female Genital Mutilation like his wife and female relatives had, they are seeking asylum in the town since arriving 18 months ago.

Larry, 46, a qualified social worker and Lucinda, 41, a health assistant, are unable to earn money until their status has been decided so volunteer at the North of England Volunteer Service and Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

“There was no security in Nigeria but here I can sleep with my eyes closed, I feel safe,” said Lucinda who does not want to reveal their surname for fear of reprisals. “If you rely on the Government to make you happy you are doing something wrong. We do voluntary work every day but we would be able to contribute even more if we were told we could stay,” she added.