A WEYMOUTH teacher with family in Ukraine said it has been 'heartwarming and amazing' to see the response from local pupils and parents following the invasion of the country by Russian forces.

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Dorset Echo: (LtR) Teeannon Quarry, member of the Sixth Form Student Union, pictured with teacher Connie Coughtrey(LtR) Teeannon Quarry, member of the Sixth Form Student Union, pictured with teacher Connie Coughtrey

Connie Coughtrey, Spanish teacher at Budmouth Academy, organised the school’s shoebox appeal, which was launched to help provide aid for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the violence following the invasion, which started on February 24.

Almost 500 boxes filled with gloves, hats, socks, colouring books, teddies, toys, stationery and sanitary products have now been dispatched to a drop-off point in Blandford where they will then be sent to the city of Przemysl, in Poland.

Dorset Echo: From left: Olivia Scholes, Casey Bardell, Yvie Pering, Callie Middleton, Charlie Hart, Connie Coughtrey, Asa Holland, Cory Parker, Esme Lake.From left: Olivia Scholes, Casey Bardell, Yvie Pering, Callie Middleton, Charlie Hart, Connie Coughtrey, Asa Holland, Cory Parker, Esme Lake.

Miss Coughtrey said: "It was amazing to see so many people willing to get involved and do their bit to make a difference for the people of Ukraine.

"The children at Budmouth Academy, their families, and members of the wider Weymouth and surrounding communities have donated items for children and families in Ukraine.

"I would like to say thank you to the students at Budmouth Academy and their families for their donations and also help with the packing of the boxes."

More than one million people are believed to have crossed from Ukraine into Poland since the Russian invasion began last month.

Ms Coughtrey added: "It has been heartwarming to see what happens when a community comes together with empathy and compassion for others - every member of the school community was keen to get involved in some way.

"I would also like to give a special thank you to Ian Ferguson, who manages several Weymouth taxi firms, for transporting the donations for us."

Dorset Echo: Jack Pearson, a Year 8 pupil Jack Pearson, a Year 8 pupil

As of March 15, it has been reported more than three million people have left Ukraine since the war began.

Poland, which shares a 310-mile border with Ukraine, has taken the majority of the 1.7 million people who have left their homes since the war began. Aid efforts have largely been run by volunteers, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) and municipalities.

Students from all year groups at the school from Year 7 through to members of the Sixth Form Student Union donated items and also helped to pack the shoeboxes.