'Hero' Ukraine refugee hosts have been praised for opening their homes to people fleeing war.

Harriett Baldwin, West Worcestershire MP, has thanked county families who have opened their homes to people fleeing the war in Ukraine at a reception held in Worcester’s Hive Library last week.

She also praised the Government for agreeing to extend financial support to hosts.

Nearly 1,000 people have relocated from Ukraine to Worcestershire including over 400 children.

Andrew Manning-Cox, the high sheriff of Worcestershire, hosted an event to thank hosts last week.

Today (Thursday, December 15), the Government confirmed that the £350 thank-you payment being made to hosts monthly will continue and will be increased to £500 once the Ukrainian guests have been here for more than 12 months.

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Mrs Baldwin said: “I am so proud of the way generous local people opened their homes to those fleeing the terrible illegal invasion of Ukraine by the tyrant Putin.

“Of course, our fondest hope is that he will be defeated allowing our guests to return home but until that is possible, I welcome the Government’s continued commitment to support families who are hosting people fleeing the war zone.

“I was keen to thank all the families who have opened their homes to people from Ukraine. They are our local heroes and I’ve heard touching testimony of the generosity that has been shown over the last year.

“The gathering at The Hive was a heartening event and I hope that hosts and guests have been able to chat and share experiences and make useful contacts as they extend their stay in Worcestershire.”