It's been two years since the start of the war in Ukraine – and East Devon residents have taken in hundreds of refugees.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 – and since then more than 200,000 refugees have arrived in the UK through two schemes.

These are the family scheme – which allows Ukrainians living in the UK to bring family members over from their home country – and the sponsorship scheme, where individuals can offer to look after refugees fleeing the conflict.

Data from the Home Office shows 378 Ukrainians have arrived in the UK having been sponsored by residents of East Devon since the spring of 2022, from a total of 450 visas issued.

A year ago, 327 refugees had arrived after being sponsored by people in the area.

The sponsorship scheme – also known as 'Homes for Ukraine' – has seen 143,400 people fleeing the conflict arrive in the UK.

The Government closed the Ukraine Family Scheme on Monday (February 19), with charities criticising the move.

But East Devon District Council is still looking for hosts through the Homes for Ukraine scheme - anyone interested can find out more and register to become a host here.