MORE than 80 Ukrainian refugees who are living in Tynedale attended a public meeting where they had the opportunity to discuss their situation with Hexham's MP and a county council representative.

Guy Opperman and Philip Soderquest, the county council's head of housing and public protection, answered questions from Ukrainians and local residents supporting them on issues such as work, language training, children's education, housing, transport, and visas at the meeting which took place on Friday in Hexham.

Mr Opperman and Mr Soderquest agreed to create a FAQ webpage on the county council's website in both English and Ukrainian with key updated links and information. It is hoped this will be publicly available in the next two weeks.

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Wendy Brady, volunteer and organiser of the event, said she was pleased with the large turnout and positive feedback from attendees.

"It was a wonderful opportunity to bring Ukrainian guests, hosts, volunteers and other Hexham residents together and provide answers to many of their questions, whilst providing information for further support and a chance to be heard by local MP and Northumberland Council too," she said.

"Government, county and Hexham coming together in this meeting gives us a chance to make a difference for the future that affects everyone."

Mr Opperman said: "A huge thanks to Wendy and the many other organisers and helpers, and Phil from Northumberland County Council who came along to help answer key questions.

"As explained at the meeting, my office continues to provide assistance on a whole host of issues, email in and we will help: guy.opperman@parliament.uk."