A Leek man who was living in Ukraine but was forced to flee the country with his family following the Russian invasion has now been given a job with JCB.

Leek Nub News reported previously 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.

Following the outbreak of the war he and his family were eventually able to flee across the border to Moldova before finally being issued visas to return to the UK and Leek.

The residents of Leek were thanked for their generosity after thousands of pounds were raised for Harry and his family to help them get their lives back on track upon their return to Britain.

The BBC reported how Harry will now mentor students at the JCB Academy after being offered the role by JCB chairman Lord Anthony Bamford, who saw Harry's story on the news.

Lord Bamford told BBC Midlands today: "I think British people are very moved by [the war in Ukraine]. Certainly, my family and I as well feel it's so utterly shocking. People are having their lives destroyed."

Discussing his new role Harry added: "It brings a certain amount of normality back and reminds me where I was in terms of my career and aspirations, so it's really nice to get back to poetry and literature, and not bombs and explosions."

Thousands of pounds were raised for Harry and his family for their return to the UK, with the JustGiving page currently sitting at over £7,000.

They became trapped in Ukraine in February before escaping into Moldova in March by bus - despite the vehicle being stopped a total of 18 times at road blocks by soldiers and police along the way.

Following the ordeal they finally managed to reach the UK by late March and returned to Harry's home town of Leek.