Ukrainian children have visited Alton Sports Centre thanks to East Hampshire District Council.

As part of the council’s support for the district’s Ukrainian guests, the children had an opportunity to use the soft play area and the climbing wall.

A total of 29 children aged between 18 months and 13 years old attended the event on Saturday, September 30 which aimed to bring together Ukrainian children and their parents for a relaxed social occasion.

Cllr Adeel Shah, East Hampshire District Council’s portfolio holder for community development and engagement, said: “This was a great event for our Ukrainian guests.

“While our guests have been enthusiastically getting involved in the local area, this was an opportunity to get together with other Ukrainians, relax and enjoy the activities on offer.

“Following the success of this event, we’re looking at ways to provide similar activities in other parts of the district.”

East Hampshire District Council has welcomed more than 420 Ukrainian guests – some 200 families – to the district since the start of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

All hosts, through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, currently receive £700 per month from Hampshire County Council.

Anyone thinking of becoming a host should email [email protected], or complete the expression of interest form on the council website, and a member of the support team will be in touch to discuss this further.

More details about the support available for potential hosts and Ukrainian guests while they are here are on the council website.