A special event took place at Mansfield Civic Centre to recognise local support given to Ukrainians now living in the area following Russia’s invasion of their homeland last year.

The St George’s Day Afternoon High Tea was organised by Mansfield Rotary and attended by families from Ukraine who have settled in the community since fleeing the war-torn country.

Host families who have opened their homes to welcome and support them were also in attendance at the event, which featured a 90-minute performance by the Nottingham Ukrainian Ensemble.

Mansfield Rotary president Rotn Karen Johnson said: “This special event provided us with an appropriate opportunity to acknowledge the huge sacrifice our guests have made in leaving their native country to come and live in Mansfield — as well as thank those who have opened their homes to support these amazing people.

“It was fantastic to enjoy a typical English afternoon tea, while being entertained by the Nottingham Ukrainian Ensemble, whose members performed a series of traditional Ukrainian songs.

“We hope our guests enjoyed their short time with us just as much as we did hosting them — and it was fascinating to listen to their stories about life in Ukraine before the invasion and how they’ve settled here in Mansfield.

“We also hope they enjoy their time in Mansfield and take advantage of what our town and its surrounding areas have to offer until it is safe for them to return their homeland.

“Everyone at Mansfield Rotary would like to wish them all the very best for the future, and for peace to return to Ukraine as soon as possible.”

Mansfield Rotary and Rotarians across the country have also come together in all sorts of different ways to support the Ukrainian people in their own country.

Two Mansfield Rotarians drove a van full of goods to join a convoy that started in Sutton and, in due course, found its way to Ukraine, where it supported Ukrainians on the ground in their fight against the Russian invaders. In addition, Mansfield Rotary has donated money to the national Rotary Ukrainian Appeal.