A former Leek College teacher and his wife have posted a video appeal after becoming trapped in Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

Harry Richardson, who taught English at Leek College, moved to Ukraine three and a half years ago after marrying his Ukrainian wife, Alina, and decided to live in Ukraine because Alina's children and family were there.

The pair posted a video appeal to YouTube after becoming trapped in an underground cellar in a school in the Cherkasy region, which is in the centre of the country just south-east of the capital, Kyiv.

In the video, which can be viewed at the top of this article and has currently been viewed around 5,000 times, Harry says: "We desperately need your help.

"The situation in Ukraine is dire. People are dying. The world cannot turn away. Sanctions are not enough.

"Ukraine is a wonderful country. Ukrainians are a wonderful people. They are hardworking. They are happy. They are just like everybody else.

"Please, when you see this video, tell other people to watch it. Tell your leaders. Tell the politicians. We need your help. Sanctions are not enough. Please help us, help the people and help the children."

Alina added, in Ukrainian: "We hold on, we are strong, but it will be very difficult for us to win over the terrorists, occupiers, invaders of our free Ukraine without your help."

Residents have since taken to social media to share their memories of Harry in Leek.

One commented: "He lived on Ball Haye Green, I used to see him walking his dogs in the park."

Another added: "Harry is an amazing gentleman, such a wonderful tutor to many. Hoping Harry and his family stay safe, as well as the huge amount of others in the same position."

Harry also posted an update on Saturday with the latest news on how he and his family were doing.

He said: "Last night we could hear the sounds of what we thought were rockets and bombs outside, and we were all very frightened, especially the children, the children are suffering the most.

"We have heard that there had been a battle at the airport on the edge of town, and we were unsure what was going on.

"We just want you to hear what we are going through. We can't put our emotions into words. You see this sort of thing on the television but you never think you will experience it."

Alina added: "We are still strong but we really need your help. Please, please help us."