Ukrainian refugees and their hosts are set to enjoy a match at Accrington Stanley as well as being given a free shirt to mark the occasion.

The club has given away free tickets, in conjunction with Hyndburn Council and the supporter's trust, to Ukrainian families housed locally to offer them some normality after fleeing the war-torn country.

The group will be at tonight’s match (August 9) against Tranmere Rovers.

A fundraiser has also been launched by trust member and admin of Accrington Stanley Memories Facebook group, Darren Woodhead, to give all the refugees free shirts as well.

The fundraiser has already reached over £400, with donations continuing to flood in.

The supporter's trust will also give them all a small gift to mark the occasion.

The Mayor and council leader will also be joining the match, with the council having provided the tickets for the host families, as well as some refreshments.

Chairman of the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust, Peter Leatham said: “After all the difficulties and upheaval the families must have suffered of late we thought it would be nice to show some true East Lancashire hospitality and friendship and our football club was the ideal vehicle to do that.

“It’s typical to see such a great response from our fans who, whilst we may be small in numbers are certainly big of heart and recognise a deserving cause when they see it.

“We are sure they will all have a great night.”

Any surplus funds from the fundraiser will be used to continue to foster the relations between the Ukrainian guests, the football club and its supporters.