A former Leek College teacher appeared as the leading segment on the BBC's local TV news show this evening following he and his family's escape from Ukraine.

Leek Nub News reported recently how Harry Richardson, who taught English at Leek College, became trapped in Ukraine following the Russian invasion after moving there around three years ago with his Ukrainian wife, Alina.

Harry and his family had come trapped in an underground cellar in a school in the Cherkasy region - but later managed to escape into Moldova by bus.

Tonight (Monday 7th March) Harry appeared on the leading item on the BBC's local TV news show Midlands Today.

He spoke more about what he and his family have been through and thanked the people of Leek for their support.

He said: "We are all very relieved. We are now waiting for the British Government to give my wife and her family visas, but it's going on for days and days.

"The support of the people of Leek has been incredible - I didn't realise I had so many friends. I would like to publicly thank you all so much."

Harry's friend Mike Goldstraw, who has managed to book a visa appointment for Harry's family in Moldova, also spoke about a fundraiser he set up to raise money for Harry and his family following the ordeal.

He said: "They have lost everything. Their house, their car, their business and the school he set up.

"Harry invested everything he had into a new life in Ukraine. Now all of that is gone."

Also discussed was the Leek and Cheddleton support group for Ukraine, which has already sent a lorry-load of supplies to the border in Poland.

Leek town councillor Roy Molson explained that Harry and his family will be sent plenty of support.

He said: "We will be able to fully kit them out with what they need, including clothing and furniture, and that will all be part of an appeal we will put out on Facebook."

The fundraiser for Harry and his family is currently live on GoFundMe. If you would like to donate then please click here.