A 10-year-old Ukrainian refugee joined about 100 youngsters on the ice rink in Romford to raise thousands of pounds to help those affected by the war in Europe.

The Skate for Ukraine event at the Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre on May 21, saw a disco, sponsored skate, figure skating competition, tombola and raffle raise £5,000 for Poland Welcomes.

Romford Recorder: Lee Valley Skate Club performing at the Skate for Ukraine eventLee Valley Skate Club performing at the Skate for Ukraine event (Image: Sandra Rowse)

This charity was set up by Kamil Prusinowski and Patrycjusz Gawel at the beginning of the Russian invasion and has helped more than 500 Ukrainian people in three months.

Director of communications Neil Midgley said the idea came about because he is learning to skate with Maggie Barrow at the centre.

He said it went "really well": "A big thank you from the charity because when we are in Poland, it can feel like we are very much working against the odds and when people internationally connect with us and raise money for us, it helps to show the volunteers in Poland and our Ukrainian refugees that people in other countries are thinking of them.

"It's not just the money, it's the sense of community."

Oleksii Pluita, a 10-year-old budding ice skater who fled Ukraine, joined the event and competed in the Hop, Skip and Jump figure skating competition.

Romford Recorder: Oleksii Pluita, a refugee from Ukraine, performed for the eventOleksii Pluita, a refugee from Ukraine, performed for the event (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Neil said the centre is giving the youngster free time on the rink to practice his skills.

Find out more about Poland Welcomes at www.polandwelcomes.org or donate at www.gofundme.com/f/skateforukraine

Romford Recorder: Lee Valley Skate Club at the Skate for Ukraine eventLee Valley Skate Club at the Skate for Ukraine event (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Maria Zenchenko and Polina Vasylyeva, both 14Maria Zenchenko and Polina Vasylyeva, both 14 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Polina Gelun, 11, and Oleksii Pluita, 10Polina Gelun, 11, and Oleksii Pluita, 10 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Maria Zenchenko, 14Maria Zenchenko, 14 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Polina Vasylyeva, 14Polina Vasylyeva, 14 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Winners of the Hop, Skip and Jump figure skating competitionWinners of the Hop, Skip and Jump figure skating competition (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Maria Zenchenko,14; Polina Vasylyeva, 14; Polina Gelun, 11; and Oleksii Pluita, 10Maria Zenchenko,14; Polina Vasylyeva, 14; Polina Gelun, 11; and Oleksii Pluita, 10 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Oleksii with his coach John WickerOleksii with his coach John Wicker (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Louis Gregory, 16, and Tallulah Bowers, 15Louis Gregory, 16, and Tallulah Bowers, 15 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: The Skate for Ukraine event was held in RomfordThe Skate for Ukraine event was held in Romford (Image: Sandra Rowse)