UKRAINIANS living in Hexham will have the opportunity to ask Hexham's MP about the Homes for Ukraine scheme this week.

The government designed the Homes for Ukraine scheme to allow people to offer accommodation for a minimum of six months and for that offer to be matched to people from Ukraine wanting to come to the UK.

Many Ukrainian refugees have been living in Tynedale for more than six months now and with no let up of the war in their home country, they and their hosts would like to discuss their situation with Mr Opperman and Philip Soderquest, the council's head of housing and public protection.

Hexham town councillor Ariane Baty, one of the organisers of the initiative Hexham Together for Ukraine, said: "Hexham's response to the Ukraine refugee crisis has been amazing, with many households opening their doors to host Ukrainians seeking sanctuary in the North East. 

READ MORE: The latest planning applications submitted to Northumberland County Council

"Guy Opperman's and Philip Soderquest's teams have been helpful in often very urgent cases when contacted by volunteers and hosts during the course of the last eventful 10 months. 

"The government has now updated their Homes for Ukraine scheme and we are looking forward to Guy and Philip giving us more details and answering specific questions from our local residents at the event."

The meeting will take place at West End Methodist Church on Friday, January 13 between 6pm and 8pm. Tea and coffee will be served until 9pm for those who would like to meet other hosts, guests and volunteers.

Mr Opperman said: "I am looking forward to hosting a Q&A event for Ukrainian residents and their sponsors in Hexham on Friday.

"I will be joined by representatives from Northumberland County Council and the Hexham Jobcentre, who will be on hand to answer any queries or concerns the Ukrainian residents and their sponsors may have."