A UKRAINIAN refugee says her home sponsor has become her "friend and sister".

Janice Gregory, a resident from Braintree, became a Homes for Ukraine sponsor in April 2022.

She said: "I wanted to help somebody, and I have loved sharing the experience with Olga.

"The Ukraine meet-ups and English classes run by Braintree District Council have helped - everyone can use the opportunity to meet and chat.

"It is a prime example of our area's community support and spirit – the guests love the meet-ups.

"They bring their own Ukrainian dishes to enjoy, and I like to see Olga happy.

"It was difficult at the start with her not speaking English, but the language classes she attends weekly have been really helpful."

Olga wanted to share her experience living in the Braintree district.

She said: "We are all very surprised by the hospitality of the Brits that they opened up their homes for us.

"For me, it was such an experience, for the first time, that I came to someone else’s family, but I was very lucky to meet Janice.

"I love her very much - she is such an extraordinary person.

"For all the good she is doing for us, and to everyone who has supported us Ukrainians, thank you very much.

"I do not know how our life will develop further, but it seems to me we will always be friends and sisters.

"At the coffee mornings, I get to get together with many Ukrainian people who are friends for life.

"We often meet on all the Ukrainian holidays, for example, the Ukrainian Independence Day."

Braintree Council is still looking for volunteers to host Ukrainian refugees.

A spokesman said: "If you or anyone you know would like to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine or for guests who cannot stay with their current host, please consider becoming a sponsor as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

"You can register your interest on the GOV website by visiting gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine."