Preparations are being made for the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in Norfolk - with the first families expected to arrive in the county in the coming days.
There is speculation up to 200 people could initially be heading to Norfolk, with those Ukrainians who already have family in the county due to be the first to come.
When the 2021 census was taken, there were 350 Ukrainian people living in Norfolk and Waveney and the initial arrivals will be people with connections to them.
While those people are likely to live with existing Ukrainian families, district councils are also inspecting other homes which have been offered to the refugees, to make sure they are suitable.
Norfolk people who offered rooms through the government's Homes for Ukraine scheme will have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record checks done before families are placed with them.
Council leaders and other organisations which will support the refugees met on Friday to discuss the imminent arrival of those fleeing the Russian invasion.
County council leader Andrew Proctor said: “Norfolk’s councils are united in wanting to do all we can to support Ukrainian refugees and the people who are volunteering to house them.
"The Homes for Ukraine scheme is an opportunity for the people of Norfolk to offer a safe place, for at least a six month period, to people escaping the conflict in the Ukraine.”
Councils in Norfolk are still awaiting further details from the government over their role in matching people to those who offered rooms.
But district councils have begun housing checks and the county council's role will include safeguarding, social care and education.
It is still unclear how many Ukrainian refugees will ultimately come to the county.
There has been suggestions that 200 could come in the first tranche, but the county council has yet to confirm how many it expects or when they will arrive.
John Fuller, leader of South Norfolk Council, which had offered the use of its council offices in Long Stratton as a triage base to help process the new arrivals, said: "We welcome Ukrainian families with local connections.
"I hope that some of these evacuees can help us all match the next wave of evacuees with no local connections with big-hearted Norfolk families."
He said he hoped they would also be able to help staff Ukrainian classrooms for children and help with providing care for elderly relatives.
They must make a minimum commitment of six month lodging, rent free.
Councils will receive £10,500 from the government for every refugee who settles in the area.
County Hall officers are organising a range of support, including orientation and introduction sessions and welcome kits.
The council will also offer English courses for adults and education for children and young people.
This newspaper has launched an Aid for Ukraine appeal for the Disasters Emergency Committee, and has already raised more than £10,000.
Donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/edp-ukraine
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