FOUR bus-loads of Ukrainian families living in the Petersfield area have enjoyed a day at Marwell Zoo thanks to a Salvation Army volunteer.

Since the Ukrainian community arrived in the Petersfield area, there have been many people who have helped to support them, by hosting families, providing a service through one of the many Petersfield agencies, or bringing events together that Ukrainian families can enjoy.

Steve Field from The Salvation Army heard there were free tickets going at Marwell Zoo for Ukrainians and decided to organise an outing for as many Ukrainian families who wanted to go.

Minibuses were provided by Community First, Age Concern, Churcher’s College and Ditcham Park School.

And Chris Keech, Gerald Pilkington, Terry McCarthy and Richard Hoe volunteered to drive.

On August 23, 47 Ukrainians consisting of mainly families enjoyed five hours at Marwell Zoo, relishing the play parks, food and, of course, lots of different animals, bird, insects and all the zoo has to offer.

“On the way home there were some who just found the day had been full enough, and dropped off to sleep,” said a town council spokesman.