Ukrainian refugee family in Scarborough 'enjoying' their time
A family from southeastern Ukraine has been living in Scarborough since April
A family of Ukrainian refugees in Scarborough say they have been enjoying their time in the town.
Sasha Omelchuk, his wife Alona and their two sons Sasha and Roman are staying with a sponsor.
They have been there since April after fleeing from the southeastern city of Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine.
Sasha said: "There was a fear for the lives of my family and friends. There was anger but most of all I'm proud of my country and the people who live in it. I'm proud of the defenders who, despite the numbers and power of the Russian army, are fighting back with dignity.
"Scarborough is a lovely and homely place. I like this quiet place and the people who live here are very kind especially towards Ukrainian refugees.
"There has always been many different events and concerts on independence day. There is entertainment but most of the events are about the history of Ukraine, its culture, development of Ukraine's independence and being a free country.
"My cousin's husband's brother died yesterday and he was a defender of Ukraine with our family on the first day of the Russian aggression. It's difficult for me to celebrate independence day with this bad news.
"I want to thank our sponsor and all the sponsors who are letting Ukrainians be in a safe place. I also want to thank the British Government."
There is a Facebook page called Scarborough Sunflower Appeal which involves sponsors, Ukrainian guests and supporters. They will be holding a big party in Scarborough on Saturday to celebrate independence day and they are appealing to anyone who can let them use a flag pole.