At least 23 Lincolnshire families welcome Ukrainian refugees into their homes

At least 23 families in a county have already welcomed Ukrainian refugees into their homes, with hundreds more volunteering.

Lincolnshire residents have opened their doors to those displaced by the ongoing Russian invasion.

A total of 279 approved hosts are on the waiting list to offer support, Lincolnshire County Council’s public protection and communities scrutiny committee was told.

Samantha Neal, the assistant director for public health, provided the last figures on resettlement for the refugees.

240 approved hosts have now been referred for DBS checks, of which 59 have come back so far.

As of last Thursday, 23 sponsors had received their arrivals, although it’s understood that more have finished the journey over the weekend.

Committee member Michael Clarke said: “It is wonderful to see people being so accommodating to our visitors, and I use that word because it isn’t clear how long they will be staying.”

Russia has recently launched a renewed invasion of eastern Ukraine, attacking targets along a 300-mile front.

President Zelensky is calling for heavier weapons to help repel the attack.

You can register your interest in housing a refugee from Ukraine through the government website.