Rowlands Gill Ukrainians produce army camouflage nets

With the assistance of their new neighbors, a crew of Ukrainians is producing camouflage netting for their army.

In Rowlands Gill, close to Gateshead, a number of families arrived and declared their desire to help their men battling the Russian invasion.

Oleg Shumihin, the event's organizer and a recent immigrant to north-east England, expressed his surprise at the size of the attendance at the net-making workshop that was held in the village hall.

The least we can do, he continued, is this.

He told BBC Look North, "We all have families and friends, lots of people we know and love in Ukraine" (North East and Cumbria).

Each 3m x 10m (33ft) net is created in winter-themed colors.

Says Slava Shumihin "They will use these nets to cover their bases and bases of operations in order to hide from Russian drones, as well as to conceal their tanks and other equipment.

"This is just another way we can help," the speaker said, "because it's extremely difficult to be here and not feel like you're a part of the events."

Ukrainian volunteers and locals have gotten to know one another through the weaving of camouflage nets.

stated Liz Richardson "I first came to watch them cut up some things, but when I saw what they were doing, I just said, "Well, I can give you a couple of hours."

"I just believe that helping those who are struggling is a worthwhile endeavor."

The volunteers have reserved the hall for future weekends and will create as many nets as are required.

BBC