The Archbishop of York is considering offering part of his official residence to refugees from Ukraine.

Most Rev Stephen Cottrell lives at Bishopthorpe Palace near York.

In a statement to Premier he said: “Jesus teaches us about loving our neighbour. At the moment, like many people, I’m thinking about the huge numbers of refugees from Ukraine who are our neighbours. Where I live at Bishopthorpe we are exploring how we can offer accommodation and support to those in need through the Government scheme that is being developed. I know I’m not alone in that and I pay tribute to the huge numbers of people who are responding to this humanitarian crisis in so many different ways. I continue to pray for peace and justice in Ukraine, and for all who work to bring that about.”

More than 150,000 people have so far signed up for the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. Each household hosting a refugee will be offered £350 a month, tax-free with no limit on how many Ukrainians can enter the UK under the visa sponsorship scheme.

Initially the host needs to have the name of an individual from Ukraine they want to help, but the scheme will soon be expanded for refugees with no links to the UK.

Churches will also play a major role in helping to match refugees to hosts.

Bishopthorpe Palace is a Grade I listed building which also houses offices, meeting rooms, worship areas and living quarters. The Palace and its grounds are also used for charity days, retreats, receptions, village fetes, and dinners.