The number of Ukrainians who have moved to Sandbach and surrounding areas since the invasion has been confirmed.

Fifty-five Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the Sandbach, Alsager, Middlewich, Scholar Green and Haslington area since records began.

This area has seen the third largest number of Ukrainian refugees settle with the biggest number going to Macclesfield followed by Crewe.

Those women, elderly and children have all arrived since March 18, which was four days after the national Homes for Ukraine Scheme launched, and when Cheshire East Council launched their provision of the temporary refugee rehousing service.

The figure was revealed by Dan Coyne, who is Community Specialist for Cheshire East Council, and has processed refugees from previous conflicts such as the Afghan and Syrian crises.

"In Cheshire East, we currently have 269 sponsors and accommodation offers, who will be paired to 797 guests into Cheshire East in the coming weeks," he said.

"Of these, 486 of these are adults, 311 children, and of those kids 45 are aged one to three.

"In terms of actual arrivals, we've had 405 guests into Cheshire East since the scheme started March 18."

The figures reveal that Macclesfield has seen the biggest number of Ukrainian refugees, 83 followed by Crewe 67 and then Sandbach, Alsager, Middlewich, Scholar Green and Haslington with 55.

Mr Coyne and his team also revealed how quickly children will get into education when they arrive here.

"Our aim is to get children into school places 15 days from arrival," he added.

"It is a lot quicker than average than that at the moment, but that is our target." 

"Finally, if the relationship between host family and guest is to break down, we want you to let us know as soon as possible.

"We have the responsibility to find immediate accommodation. And we will assess the risks when we look to rematch those individuals as well."

Seventy-four "thank you" payments have been made, 405 welcome payments issued, 11 early years applications received and six places offered.

Sixty primary school applications have been received and 49 places offered, 43 secondary applications received and 36 places offered and 12 applications for Reception or Year 7 places in  September 2022.

The figures were revealed at a public Macclesfield Town Council for Ukraine meeting last night (Tuesday).

It has been 124 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began.

You can apply for the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme here.