Two Ukrainian mothers were moved to tears by the kindness of little boys who did not even know them.

The boys raised £600 as a gift of welcome for two young Ukrainian refugees, who have come to their school.

The Year 3 friends, Nate and Ruari, completed a sponsored walk from Maryport to Allonby to raise the money.

Dearham school has also received generous donations of clothes and toys from parents and staff members to support a family in their move to the area.

Headteacher Jacqui Wilson said: “As a school we are delighted to have the Ukrainian children join us. They smile all the time and their resilience and positivity is infectious.

"We are also incredibly proud of Nate and Ruari in Year 3. The idea behind the sponsored walk was Nate's. He wanted to do something for the Ukrainian children so they could buy toys or games. He decided on the sponsored walk and was supported by his friend Ruari. Together the boys raised over £600.”

The families were eager to thank the school for the generosity shown to them, they said: “When we were presented with the money it took a while for us to understand what had happened. We were shocked and crying because two little boys whom we had never met opened their hearts to help us and our children. What a great example of human kindness and compassion in such young people. We are looking forward to going into school to thank them personally.”

Mariia and Yuliia recently moved to the area from Brovary, just east of Kyiv, with their children Mykyta and Anastasiia. After crossing the border into Poland, they posted a request for sponsorship on Facebook through the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, which was picked up by a family in Dearham, who assisted with visa applications and offered them a place to stay.

The two women had to leave family, friends and everything they have ever known behind in Ukraine, in order to bring their children to safety.

They said: “We feel like we are in fairyland, a beautiful, safe and friendly world which is very different from the world we have escaped from. We feel very fortunate to have found such a place where everyone is so kind and helpful.”

They added: “The children say they love school and even want to go there at the weekend! They say they are happy that everyone at school has opened their hearts to welcome them. Teachers and children are so friendly, helpful and kind to them and to each other. The children have changed, always smiling, laughing and full of energy.”