The Bishop of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich has opened up his house to welcome a Ukrainian refugee family.

Rt Rev Martin Seeley said he and his family are looking forward to welcoming them in their house “as soon as possible”.

It comes as the UK launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme which allows people in the UK to nominate an individual or family to stay with them for free for at least six months.

Bishop Martin told the BBC: "When we saw the horrific scenes and continued to see the horrific scenes... and knowing that so many are seeking refuge and safety, the least we could do was to offer our home.”

"That's clearly the response from thousands of people," he continued.

It’s not the first time Bishop Martin’s family has been involved in helping refugees.

In 2016, his wife Jutta Brueck was “very heavily” involved in helping Syrian refugee families arriving in Ipswich.

At the time, Bishop Martin’s family did not house a refugee family but helped in getting their children into schools and connecting them with GP services.

Bishop Martin wants to encourage people to help in any way they can.

“Not everyone will be able to offer rooms in their homes, but there are many ways to help. Still one of the best ways we can help is by donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

“The diocese has partnered with World Vision, a member of the DEC and urge people to donate online here. We must keep supporting those living in Ukraine too.  We need a community-wide response of welcome and support and I urge everyone to do all they possibly can amid this humanitarian crisis,” he said.