TWO of the first refugees who came to Petersfield under the Homes for Ukraine scheme in April are now sharing a one-bedroom flat, thanks to the generosity of local people .

Khrystyna Kovalevska and her sister-in-law Maryna Haievska moved into their flat in the town after six months of living with host families.

Khrystyna’s sponsors Lynette and Timothy Clarke and Maryna’s sponsor Catherine Downes helped the girls find their flat.

Maryna said: “We wanted to settle in Petersfield because of jobs and the opportunities here, so our host families found a one-bedroom flat through Henry Adams Lettings.

“The rent was unexpectedly cheap, so Khrystyna and I focused on organising the documentation. Our thanks go to our families who kindly helped us get the flat.”

The private landlord chose Khrystyna and Maryna from six other people who wanted to rent, and early in October the refugees moved in.

It was unfurnished but this was resolved when generous and kind people from Petersfield and surrounding areas donated furniture, cutlery and food, says Khrtstyna.

She added: “I was in wonder at English kindness.

“They helped us with everything we needed – beds, tables, bed sheets, duvets, kitchen stuff, etc.

“I am honoured to be a part of the Petersfield community and with pleasure want to say thank you to everyone who gave a lot to our new home – it now has a spirit and love.”

Now in their peaceful and lovely home, the girls say they will always be connected with their host families who opened their kind hearts in April and took them in and kept them safe.