A year on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a member of Oldham's Ukrainian community has thanked the people of the borough for welcoming the refugees.

Stefan Moroz, who has lived in Oldham since 1975 and is of Ukrainian descent, has been a leading member of the borough's Ukrainian community and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Speaking to The Oldham Times, he thanked Oldhamers for how they have welcomed the Ukrainians who have arrived, but also reflected on what has been a tragic year for Ukraine.

Stefan said: "We have over 70 families in the locality.

"Some have come from the most challenging parts of Ukraine and have no homes to go back to."

The Oldham Times: Stefan said he has struggled to keep in contact with his family in UkraineStefan said he has struggled to keep in contact with his family in Ukraine (Image: Cob and Coal)

He explained that the majority of families who have arrived in the UK consist of grandmothers, mothers and children, as most men have remained in the country to help the fight.

Stefan said that many who have arrived are "broken people" and are fearful of what may come next as Russian president Vladimir Putin seems to be ramping up his war efforts.

This week, Putin announced Russia would be pulling out of the New Start treaty, which was the last remaining US-Russia nuclear arms control treaty.

Despite how affected and worried the Ukrainians who have arrived are, Stefan said: "They have every intention of going home to rebuild their cities and homes.

"I'm amazed how strong they have been."

The Oldham Times: Ukrainians in Oldham have come from all across their country, Stefan saidUkrainians in Oldham have come from all across their country, Stefan said (Image: PA)

Stefan praised Oldham as a borough for the charity work it has done to help the refugees who have arrived and for making them feel welcome.

He said: "Thank you to the local community for the support that was put in place when they arrived and the support they have been given over the last year."

He added Oldham has made Ukrainians feel welcome, as it did in 1947 when many were forced to flee by the Soviet Union.

Stefan said: "Oldham is famous for its ability to accept groups of people and is doing its best to do that again."

The charity Stefan is involved in, AID Ukraine, continues to provide support for Ukrainians in the UK and those still in their homeland.