A group of Biddulph residents are aiming to set up a "Ukrainian Hub" with the aim of offering help and advice for sponsors and refugees in the town who have come together via the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The scheme allows those fleeing the war in Ukraine to come to the UK if a British citizen has volunteered to provide them with accommodation.

We reported recently how so far, 40 households in the Staffordshire Moorlands have volunteered to provide accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.

Now residents in Biddulph are aiming to set up a hub to support Biddulphians and Ukrainians who are participating in the scheme.

Lois Townsend is one of the residents working to set up the hub.

She said: "There is a small group of us in Biddulph who are trying to set up a Ukrainian Hub.

"This will be for sponsors and their Ukrainian guests, so they can make new friends, and get practical help and advice."

She explained that some of the topics the hub will cover include:

• How to become a sponsor in the homes for Ukraine scheme
• How to find a family if you have signed up, but have not yet found a family to sponsor you
• Help with Visa applications
• Help with all the paperwork that is needed after your guest arrives

She added: "We are also looking for volunteers to help organise the hub, and if there are any English language teachers or ESOL trained people that would like to volunteer please email us.

"We have a Russian interpreter on the team, but we are also looking for any Ukrainian ones."

If you are interested in becoming part of the hub or would like more information or advice, email [email protected]