Praise for airport volunteers who helped Ukrainians

Eduard Fesko, the interim Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, was at the afternoon tea event in Great Dunmow

The interim Ukrainian ambassador to the UK has thanked volunteers who assisted more than 20,000 people at a Stansted Airport help point.

Eduard Fesko said the support that was on offer for nearly two years sent "a signal to people that were coming from a war zone - you're safe now".

A special afternoon tea was held in nearby Great Dunmow, Essex, to mark the work carried out by about 50 unpaid helpers and 20 staff.

Regular volunteer Lena Slade said it was a "humbling" experience.

Lena Slade was born in Ukraine and moved to the UK in her late teens

Ms Slade emigrated to the UK as a teenager and lives in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.

The 46-year-old regularly volunteered five days a week after the hub opened in May 2022 before becoming a paid staff member.

It closed on 2 January due to the decrease in people arriving.

Ms Slade said mostly women and children used it and she offered practical help, and united families with their sponsors.

"When they were reunited it was absolutely wonderful, it was like something from Love Actually," she said.

"It is very humbling to see how many people got together and got involved and wanted to help, it's wonderful."

"It was an emotional experience, it's something that will be with you forever."

Kevin Bentley, the Conservative leader of Essex County Council met Eduard Fesko, who gave a speech at the reception

Mr Fesko said he was "impressed" when he saw the hub in action and said it showed "the UK had the Ukraine's back".

"It sends a signal to people that are coming from a war zone you're safe now, this is where you will be cared for where you don't have to worry, you don't have to hide," he said.

"Thanks a lot to the good people of Essex county for helping Ukrainians for being there for them.

"It's something we will never forget and we really appreciate a lot."