There are hopes that Leek will soon be able to pair with a Polish town in order to offer aid to the many Ukrainian refugees who have crossed the border from Ukraine into Poland.

The hopes were revealed by Moorlands MP Karen Bradley this week.

Nub News reported recently how Biddulph is to pair with the Polish town of Bierun to offer aid to Ukrainian refugees in Poland following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

There are now hopes that Leek will be able to follow in Biddulph's footsteps and pair with a Polish town of their own.

Mrs Bradley said: "My team and I continue to do all we can to help local residents who are trying to bring family back from the Ukraine or sponsor Ukrainian refugees.

"It is often frustrating and often takes longer than we would hope but we are prioritising these cases and doing our very best to assist.

"Following the Bidduph partnership with Bierun, I am really keen to pair Leek with a town in Poland and was therefore pleased to visit Bank House in Leek which is a collection point for donations to Ukraine.

"These Polish towns are absolutely overwhelmed with refugees and it would be great if we could set this up."

Discussing the partnership between Biddulph and Bierun, she added: "Many of you have contacted me regarding the terrible refugee situation in Ukraine and neighbouring countries so I am pleased to be able to announce an initiative that pairs the town of Biernu in Poland with Biddulph.

"A few weeks ago, I represented the UK at an international conference for parliamentarians from around the world. At the conference, the UK delegation met the Polish delegation, and we were all shocked by the overwhelming situation for towns and villages in Poland who are now hosting hundreds and thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Most of the refugees want to stay as close to home as possible and our friends in Poland need our help.

"Senator Gabriela Morawska-Stanecka asked whether there were any UK towns that might want to partner with towns in her constituency in Poland and I was so proud when Biddulph stepped in to offer the town's services and resources.

"On Friday we held the first call between the Mayor of Biddulph, Cllr Sylvia Rushton and her opposite number in Bierun, Krystian Grzesica. Hearing their stories, it was impossible not to be moved.

"It is hard to imagine but at the moment, this town, which is similar in the size to Biddulph is home to around 530 refugees. 

"Sarah Haydon, from Biddulph Town Council, is now in contact with her equivalent in Bierun. They will let us know what they need both to help the Ukrainians who are now safe in Poland and to get vital supplies to the Ukrainians left behind."