A BRADFORD councillor who has invited two Ukrainian refugees into her home said they have received an amazing welcome since arriving in the district.

Councillor Sally Birch, of the Bingley Rural ward, opened her door to two Ukrainian women after signing up to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The two women are cousins, aged 32 and 26, and preferred to stay anonymous.

Cllr Birch, who lives in Wilsden, said the two ladies – who have both secured part-time jobs and are taking lessons to improve their English – already feel like they fit in.

“The community has given them an amazing welcome, but I wouldn’t have expected anything less”, she said.

“The ladies have loved everything they’ve seen in Bradford. We went to the Alhambra to see Lion King – they were in tears at how splendid the theatre is, and it reminded them of the magnificent ones they have in Kyiv, where they are from.

“Within ten days of being here, they had already got little jobs working at restaurants. They want to contribute to society.

“The younger lady could only say ‘hi’ when she first came, now three weeks later she can have a basic English conversation. When she isn’t working, she’s learning the language for six hours a day.

“There’s no way I could learn that quick in another country – I’m gobsmacked.”

Despite them settling in well, Cllr Birch – who lived alone before the ladies arrived – admits that it has not all been plain sailing.

“I know they are still watching the war very closely. They have family members on the frontline”, she said.

“We don’t talk about it and I don’t put the news on - I don’t want to trigger them.

“They have been ripped away from everything, so we have little moments, but that’s understandable.

“It’s been stressful for them, but I think they’ve managed it really well.”

Cllr Birch added that local services in Bradford have been a lifeline.

“The Ukrainian Club on Legrams Lane has been unbelievable”, she said.

“They do coffee mornings and a Saturday school for children so they can keep their culture alive.

“They also have a free shop with essential items.”

She added that living with two people from another country has been “really interesting”, and that she has learned a lot about Ukrainian culture.

The interest is mutual, with Cllr Birch adding: “They’re really embracing the English tradition – and they love fish and chips!

“They feel welcome here and they love it”, she also said.