Nottinghamshire welcomes 800 Ukrainian refugees

Image source, EPA

Image caption, Millions of Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia invaded

More than 800 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Nottinghamshire since the Russian invasion began six months ago, the county council says.

A further 642 are due to聽 arrive in the coming months as part of the government鈥檚 成人快手s for Ukraine scheme.

The authority has introduced a number of schemes to help refugees settle in the county.

These include a 拢200 welcome payment for every refugee and a six-month free travel pass for the county's public transport.

'Incredible' response

John Cottee, the council's cabinet member for communities, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was grateful for the contribution made by individuals and voluntary groups.

He said: "A special thanks to all those who have opened up their doors to welcome Ukrainian guests into their homes.聽

"The response from local communities has been incredible, with new hosts coming forward all the time.

鈥淎s a county council, we have been working closely with partners to help the 成人快手s for Ukraine scheme聽run as smoothly as possible.

"We are helping with access to benefits, healthcare, employment, language聽and other support.鈥

Meanwhile just under 200 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Nottingham, according to the latest government figures.