German theme park Europa-Park is helping those fleeing Ukraine by housing a group of refugees at the park.

To help local relief agencies and to assist in the humanitarian aid efforts, the park has taken in 70 people who were forced to leave their homes – including women, children and the elderly – at its luxurious Colosseo hotel.

Speaking to the local press, Roland Mack, the head of the Mack family which owns Europa-Park, said: "These people have been on the run for eight days, without a bed or a hot meal.

"They are traumatised, uprooted and don't know what will become of them and carry everything they own in plastic bags."

As many of the refugees are children and families, Europa-Park has also opened some of its rides for the guests to use.

Europa-Park is currently shut for the winter season and is set to open to the general public on 26 March. It recently held some pre-opening days for visitors.

The refugees will eventually be moved to more suitable accommodation.