Ukrainian women refugees are helping to power the West of England's transition to net-zero.

Nineteen women who fled the conflict and found sanctuary in our welcoming region are now taking part in a 5-week West of England programme teaching them new green skills which they can then put into action in the workplace.

The Mayor heard from Yulia Bezkrovna, Vira Niskoromnykh and Liza Hamsheieva over at The Hub in Mulberry Park where the courses are taking place.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: "I'm so incredibly proud of the way in which locals across our great region have opened their arms to our Ukrainian neighbours. The West of England Combined Authority is determined to do our bit to make people feel welcome here, and help them get on and thrive during their stay with us - however long or short. It's great to meet Yulia, Vira and Liza and hear how passionate they are about sustainability and helping us to meet our ambitious net-zero targets."

Harriet Bosnell, Managing Director of Curo Choice, who are delivering the courses, said: "We're really proud to be able to support Ukrainian women as part of the amazing Power Up programme. Our wonderful West of England Combined Authority funders have enabled us to support women and young people to gain new and highly sought-after skills. These will help them to secure the green jobs which we know will transform all our lives in the future".

1,324 Ukrainians have settled in the West of England under the Ukraine sponsorship scheme with host families - 613 in Bristol, 331 in Bath and NE Somerset and 380 in South Glos.