HEREFORDSHIRE has welcomed its 1,000 Ukrainian refugee as councillors reaffirm support for Ukraine.

The significant milestone for supporting people fleeing the war in Ukraine and relocating to the county through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Last week Herefordshire Council supported a motion reaffirming the county's commitment to standing with Ukraine and exploring opportunities to strengthen future links with the Zhytomyr region was brought forward by Cllr Ed O’Driscoll of Ross East who acknowledged the strong foundations already established through four years of support for Ukraine and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to maintaining and developing those relationships in the future.

The council heard that than 1,000 Ukrainian citizens have now found safety, support and a warm welcome in Herefordshire since the launch of the scheme which reflects the generosity of local residents who have opened their homes to those forced to flee conflict, as well as the extensive support network that has helped people settle into communities across the county.

Herefordshire Council's refugee resettlement and migration support team has played a leading role in co-ordinating support for Ukrainian families, working alongside local organisations.

Together they have helped people access accommodation, education, employment, healthcare and community connections, enabling many families to rebuild their lives in Herefordshire.

The county's response has been recognised as an outstanding example of partnership working, with communities, voluntary organisations and public services coming together to provide practical help, friendship and long-term support.

Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council said: "This reflects the compassion and generosity of local people, but it is also a testament to the dedication of civic society organisations, volunteers, community groups and councils across the county.”

Ross-on-Wye formally signed a Friendship Twinning agreement with Ovruch in Ukraine in May with the town’s mayor of Ross, Cllr Linden Delves and the mayor of Ovruch, Korud Ivan Yaroslavovych both signing the agreement.