A hotel in Borehamwood has opened itself to refugees who have fled the war in Ukraine.

The Double Tree by Hilton Elstree hotel is one of four hotels in England owned by Lethendy Estates Limited that is providing free accommodation, food, and essential items to refugees.

The hotels have so far housed 11 Ukrainians from different regions of Ukraine, with further rooms being made available depending on the occupancy of the hotels.

A representative of Lethendy Estates Limited said: "We are proud to offer this programme in our hotels across the UK. We have already welcomed several families from Ukraine and look forward to taking in many more refugees over the coming weeks.

"This programme would not have been possible without the support of Sterling Law, who have helped identify and provided legal support to refugees on a legal aid basis."

Businessman and philanthropist Dr. Boris Mints, an exiled Russian former billionaire who now lives in Scotland, said: "We have been shocked and sickened by the scenes of desperate families fleeing Ukraine following Putin’s invasion.

"This is the most tragic event of the 21st century to date. My family condemns the actions of Putin’s regime in Ukraine."

Dr Mints, who is the settlor of the MF Trust, part of which is the Lethendy Estates Limited, added: "We want to support and help the Ukrainian people and we are very pleased the directors of Lethendy Estates Limited have decided to take this action.

"We are grateful to the hotel staff who are helping to ensure that all those who will call the hotels home for the next few months are well looked after."