Ukrainian guests across Bolton have been handed vouchers after Bolton's Market Place shopping centre hosted a Giving Tree.

Across July and August people from across the borough had the chance to do their bit to help refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine by buying gift vouchers from a 'giving tree'.

The giving tree display was launched in the Market Place shopping centre on July 12 by Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Bolton branch chairman Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn.

Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn and some of the Ukrainian guests, Hanna and Max Slobodian and Elena and Maria Beleskov, attended an event where they collected the vouchers which will be equally distributed amongst the guests from Ukraine.

Yaroslaw said: "Bolton AUGB would like to put on record many thanks to Vicky and her team at the Market Place for organising the superb display of two orange blossom trees with a blue and yellow Post box.

The Bolton News: Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn, Branch Chair, collected the vouchers with Hanna and Max Slobodian and Elena and Maria BeleskovYaroslaw Tymchyshyn, Branch Chair, collected the vouchers with Hanna and Max Slobodian and Elena and Maria Beleskov (Image: Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn)

"Many thanks must also go to the people of Bolton who bought vouchers from the retailers in the Market Place.

"The generosity of Boltonians is second to none and with the war showing only some signs of turning in Ukraine's favour, these acts are welcome by all."

This isn't the only act of kindness the Ukrainian guests have received since they came to Bolton.

Earlier this month, The Bolton Branch of AUGB, with financial support of Bolton Council, organised a day trip to Blackpool for a coach of Ukrainians living in Bolton.

The majority of the Ukrainians had not left Bolton since they arrived, some of them five months ago and the trip was a morale boast for them to see a seaside resort, a breath of fresh air and have some enjoyment.

Yaroslaw said: "The Ukrainians were treated to the typical fare by the sea, fish and chips with mushy peas.

"Most of the day was spent at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

The Bolton News: Ukrainian guests take a trip to BlackpoolUkrainian guests take a trip to Blackpool (Image: Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn)

"Some of the older children continually rode the 'American rides'.

"The scarier the more times they queued.

"And after an exhausting day by all, everyone was happy to board the coach back to Bolton. 

"Many thanks to Bolton Council for their support without which the trip could not have happened.

"The trip was ideal for the guests from Ukraine as it was an opportunity to put to one side their troubles from the their homeland, if only for one day."