Derbyshire Dales: Ukrainian refugees mark two years in the UK

Nadiia Tymoshenko fled her apartment in Cherkasy after the war broke out

A mother and daughter who fled the Ukrainian city of Cherkasy have lived in the Derbyshire Dales for almost two years.

Nadiia Tymoshenko and Yeva, 13, were among the first of thousands of refugees to move in with hosts across the county.

They live with Catherine and Andrew Bailey, who invited them to live in an annexe at their home near Ashbourne.

The couple say Nadiia and Yeva have become part of the family.

Yeva says she grew up in the UK, arriving as a child, but now describes herself as a teenager

The mother and daughter arrived at Yeldersley Hall in May 2022 and live in an annexe previously occupied by Mr Bailey's mother.

They could not speak English, but Yeva is now fluent and has lots of English friends at Denstone College, where Mrs Bailey is a teacher.

Mr and Mrs Bailey have also helped Yeva's mother resume her career as a nail technician, with Ms Tymoshenko opening her own business in the converted stable block where they live.

Many of Ms Tymoshenko's nail customers are other Ukrainian women who live nearby

She said her life had changed completely in the last two years.

"Everything is different for us. Different language. Different place. Different people. Everything is different," she said.

"I live in a wonderful place with an amazing family.

"They are really close to me and we have a really warm connection and a similar sense of humour."

Catherine Bailey said hosting had been "really rewarding" and hoped to visit Ukraine in better times

Ms Tymoshenko regularly speaks to her family, who are still in Ukraine, including her younger brother who used to be a footballer. He is now on the front line.

Ms Tymoshenko and Yeva went back to visit their friends and relatives in Cherkasy last summer.

They said they heard loud explosions the night they arrived and saw flashes from anti-missile defences.

As the full-scale war enters its third year, Ms Tymoshenko and Yeva have been told they will be able to apply for an 18-month "Homes for Ukraine" visa extension.

Andrew Bailey said refugees were "really happy" in Derbyshire

Mr Bailey said the announcement was a "tremendous relief" for many Ukrainians in Ashbourne.

He added: "There's obviously big problems still out in Ukraine and the idea that they might be forced to go back there was leaving them really uncertain about their futures."

Ms Tymoshenko said she hoped to eventually go back to Ukraine and dreamed of the war ending.

She added: "We will be happy to be back home if it's finished. We'll be safe. It will be hard to start again but I will be ready to do this in Ukraine."

Yeva, however, wants to stay in England and settle in a big city like London.

She said: "I want to be a designer or lawyer. I see my future in both countries."