A Ukrainian learning technologist at Cornwall College St Austell has been announced as one of the finalists nominated for BBC Radio Cornwall’s prestigious Make a Difference Awards.

Originally from Kyiv, Luda Smith has lived in the UK for 21 years and has worked on the St Austell campus for 15 years, teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

She has been praised for playing a vital role in welcoming dozens of asylum seekers from her home country. “Since the beginning of the war, as refugees started to come to Cornwall, I knew I had to help,” she said.

“I support them as much as I can, not just during my English lesson classes, but I listen to them, give them advice, help them sign up to the GPs and even take people to the dentist as their interpreter.”

The awards, which are taking place at BBC local radio stations across the UK, offer listeners a chance to say show recognition and appreciation for people who make life better for others. Nominations are now closed and the Cornwall award ceremony will be held at Truro Cathedral on Thursday, September 7.

Listen to Luda’s story and nomination here: Make a Difference: BBC Radio Cornwall