STUDENTS from Ukraine have settled into a college after fleeing the Russian invasion.

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh now has 12 Ukrainian students studying on courses.

They are working on A-leve and vocational Level 3 qualifications.

Among them is student Oleksandra Merkushyna, who said: "After I left home with my family and started to build my new life in Britain, I was given a unique opportunity to receive a quality education.

“I am proud to study at Barton Peveril, a place with friendly students, professional teachers and staff that are always ready to help and support Ukrainian students.”

Vice Principal (Students and Progress), Jan Frost, added: “We have enrolled ten recently-arrived Ukrainian refugees onto A Level programmes at Barton Peveril.

"They have been warmly welcomed by staff and students, including a current second year who has established a College Ukrainian Society.

“We are eager to support them in their time of need and have provided free college meals, a bus pass, financial support for purchasing books and loaned each of them a Chromebook for the duration of their studies.

"We hope that this will remove some obstacles and enable them to thrive in their studies and settle into life in the UK.

"Their presence further enriches the diversity of our own student body and reminds each of us how lucky we are to live in a country free from war.”