FOUR Ukrainian families have arrived in Otley after fleeing the horrors of war - and around 20 households in the town are offering homes for refugees.

The town is opening it's arms to people escaping from Russia's invasion and has set up a Community Interest Company to co-ordinate help.

A meeting at Otley Parish Church last week in support of Ukrainians was attended by about 80 people and was described as a "great success". The initiative aims to offer a forum to help both local hosts and refugees arriving in this country and is being supported by Otley Town Council with the assistance of Otley Action for Older People and Churches Together in Otley.

At the meeting a variety of help was offered, including language classes, clothing, transport, craft classes, administration and social activities.

A spokesperson said the next steps for the group included collating a database of hosts, guests and offers of assistance, setting up a website and communications, helping to match potential host families to potential guests. The group is also producing ‘help’ sheets to assist new hosts and guests through the stressful initial registration, as well as SIM card and banking set up processes, school admissions and future needs.

Two further sessions are now planned - one for hosts and guests and one for volunteers to help co-ordinate offers.

The meeting was the first for a new Community Interest Company, which is likely to be called ‘Otley Welcomes’ and which will carry on the group’s previous work. The group is now particularly looking to match any offers of jobs for Ukrainian guests to their particular skillsets.

Anyone who wants to get involved or to help in any way should email martingaskin@me.com. There is also a private group on Facebook which the public can join - search for ‘Otley - Homes for Ukraine support group’ in the groups section.

Otley Town Council has adopted a resolution of solidarity with Ukraine and pledged funding to help set up an Otley Community Sponsorship Scheme which will also help other people escaping from future conflicts. Councillors have earmarked £2,000 for a local group established to support refugees coming to Otley.