In light of the crisis in Ukraine, the local people and the local Council are showing their support for those fleeing their homes.

The local community have been doing their bit to support the people of Ukraine by hosting Coffee and Cake sales to raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee and collecting donations of clothes, blankets, food and more to ship over to refugees fleeing their homes.

On top of this, local Ukulele group D'Ukes of Rutland have raised over £700 busking in and around Oakham.

Meanwhile, Rutland County Council is awaiting further information about a new government sponsorship scheme to help Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes.

A recent expansion of the Ukrainian Humanitarian Route has already increased the number of people from Ukraine who are eligible to come to the UK. As well as immediate family members, British nationals and people of any nationality settled in the UK will now be supported to bring parents, grandparents, adult children, siblings, and their immediate family members to the UK.

There are no requirements for salary or language tests. Full security checks will take place and the Home Office will continue to process applications as quickly as possible. People who may be eligible under this route are encouraged to call the national helpline: 0300 3032785.

Further details about how to support displace Ukrainian families can be found on the national GOV.UK website.

The government has also indicated that it will be launching a new sponsorship scheme to make sure that Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes have a route to safety. The scheme will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have family ties to the UK.

Details of the scheme and how to apply will be published shortly by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "The whole world has been united in its condemnation of the atrocious violence that's being inflicted upon Ukraine and its people by Russia. Unsurprisingly, there has been a tremendous outpouring of compassion and support from local communities throughout the UK, including here in Rutland.

"The government has released some information about its plans for a new sponsorship scheme that will involve local councils. However, we are still waiting for important details. We hope to be able to provide more information about Rutland's role in this very soon. Once we have the full guidance, we will do everything within our power to help."

Keep your eye on the Oakham Nub News website and our social media pages to find out how you can get involved and to receive the latest updates on the Council and Government involvement in the crisis.