A UKRAINIAN woman living in Whitchurch has thanked the town and its people for their warmth and support.

Anna Oleksyn and her 15-year-old son, Marko arrived in Whitchurch in September last year having left their country due to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

They have been looked after by a host family under the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme and she spoke fondly about the warmth she has received from people in the town since arriving.

She said she had a good experience working in a temporary role in Sainsbury's in London Road during the build up to Christmas.

Anna said: "We came not long before the Blackberry Fair was held in the town. On Saturday, we attended the festival and people are really nice. I met a lot of nice people here and made a lot of friends.

"My colleagues in Sainsbury's were very kind and my manager in Sainsbury's was excellent and supported me a lot."

Anna worked as an English teacher in Ukraine before the war and spoke about the importance of seeing her son continue with his education.

She said she is grateful for the support he has received.

She added: "My first aim was to to save my son's life.

"He is studying at school here and I am really happy because the teachers have been nice and the children are great.

"Our aim was to get an education in a safe place."

While Anna is hugely grateful for all the support she has received since arriving in Whitchurch, she is concerned about being able to find work and finding accommodation as the 'Homes For Ukraine' scheme lasts for six months.

She explained: "I do not drive and it is hard to find work in different places because of the strikes.

"I am looking for work in Shrewsbury, Chester and Wrexham."

Anna said it was difficult to say if she would return to the Ukraine, adding: "I get nervous all the time. I look through all the groups which inform us of the situation in Ukraine.

"I would like to stay here as long as I can because no-one knows when the war will finish.

"I have got my mother in Ukraine. I try to send some food to her because the prices there are awful."

She added: "We are staying until the war finishes.

"But as you know from history, the period after war is more difficult."