A COLLEGE lecturer has been recognised in the community for his work to support Ukranian refugees. 

James Read, a sessional tutor in AAT, has been at the forefront of efforts to aid refugees, orchestrating supply collections and visiting camps in Poland. 

The lecturer has now made seven visits to Poland to deliver thousands of items including food, medication, clothing and bedding.

Mr Read has worked for the college since 1996 providing accounting support to students. 

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He has now been honoured by receiving a Parish Award from Copythorne Parish Council for his hard work.

He said: "These trips can be very draining and every visit brings a strong emotional toll. But from the start of this war I knew I had to do what I could to help out and the way that villagers and the surrounding community have rallied around these collections and fundraisers has been amazing.

"There are normally at least a couple of thousand people at these refugee camps and they are always so grateful for this support – it has made such a positive impact in what has been a truly traumatic period for them all.”

Eastleigh College has welcomed over 200 Ukrainian learners to its campus since the start of the Russian invasion. 

James’ next delivery trip will be to Ukraine, where he will be supporting efforts to help in local hospitals.   

Jacqueline Beavis, Head of Delivery for Business and Logistics at the college, added: “We have all been inspired by James’ contribution to the Ukraine relief efforts, and this Parish Award is clearly very well deserved.

"His story demonstrates the respectful and resilient values of our College community.”