Ukrainian refugees and charity, Wivey Welcomes Refugees, welcomed a royal visit from HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex, after being recognised for their exemplary work.

St Andrew’s Church in Wiveliscombe was packed for the royal visit, with a sea of different uniforms from police to military, and a large contingent of Ukrainians.

Clear blue skies welcomed the royal visitors, and an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation could be felt prior to HRH’s arrival.

Among the visitors were the High Sheriff of Somerset, Jennifer Duke, the Lord Lieutenant Mohammed Saddiq and Annie Maw, previously Lord Lieutenant and founder of charity, Somerset Supports Ukraine.

A real sense of pride could be felt on be part of the Wiveliscombe community which has done so much for the Ukrainians who now call Wiveliscombe home.

Local group the Wivey Food Project and charity, Somerset Supports Ukraine were displaying their banners awaiting the Countess to discuss their projects with them.

The royal guest, who was addressed by Peter Pearson, chair of Wivey Welcomes Refugees, sat with Ukrainians and a choir sang a well-known Ukrainian hymm, which brought many to tears, including Katerina Sevchenko, who said: “It’s hard because a lot of people in Ukraine have to stay there and have died because of it. We are here in the blue sky but a lot of people don’t have that blue sky to look up to.

“Every day I get a message from my mother telling me she is still alive and to get on with my day.”

Katerina has been in the UK for five months with her two children. She said she is grateful for the safety and security that the Wiveliscombe community has provided for her children.

Thanks were expressed to the tight-knit community that has helped the refugees, from hosts and Wivey Welcomes Refugees to St Andrew’s Church and the people of Wiveliscombe. Katerina added: “The Wiveliscombe community has created something for us after we have lost so much.”

Irina, a Ukrainian refugee added: “I can now say I am very happy because I am in safety. Thank you so much, thank you Great Britain, thank you to your government but most importantly thank you to the hosts that opened their doors to us. I cant quite find the words to say thank you enough.”

In a speech, the Countess of Wessex commended people who have supported each other to make the Ukrainian refugees feel welcomed.

She said: “You are providing something beyond any monetary value and I thank you.”

Shortly afterwards she was presented with flowers from Wivey Grows, a community garden project and a card made by Katerina’s children.

PHOTOS: Alain Lockyer