Four lions have arrived in Kent almost a year after plans to rescue them from war-torn Ukraine were unveiled.

Rori, Amani, Lira, and Vanda are settling into their new home at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, near Ashford.

The rescued cats have joined Yuna, who was also rescued and arrived at the park in August, as part of the charity's 'Big Cats in Crisis' campaign.

The initiative began in May with the aim of creating a brighter future for the lions which have suffered extreme hardship due to the country's war with Russia.

Ten months on and the park - which is home to 40 big cats including tigers, cheetahs and snow leopards - has confirmed its newest residents to arrive.

The sanctuary's managing director, Cam Whitnall, said: "These lions have endured so much, but now they can finally begin their new lives in safety here at the Sanctuary.

“They’ve settled well into their new home and, in the coming days, they’ll start making their way outside for the first time.”

All four cats had been in temporary facilities across Belgium called Pairi Daiza, Planckendael Zoo and Natuur Hulp Centrum.

Working alongside Cross Border Animal Services (CBAS), the journey to rescue them from Belgium got underway on Wednesday.

The following day, the rescue team collected Rori and then Vanda before making their final stop to collect Amani and Lira.

Mr Whitnall was then joined by CBAS to transport the lions through Belgium and France before boarding a ferry to the UK.

The 12-hour journey saw all four lions arrive in Smarden on Friday.

Work on the new enclosure, called The Lion Rescue Centre, began in July following £500,000 in donations and will officially open on March 25.

The purpose-built facility has been designed to meet the four new cats’ and Yuna's physical and psychological needs, ensuring a secure and stimulating space for their future.

Yuna moved to Kent aged just three following a four-day journey across six countries in August.

Found in a cramped 3m by 4m concrete enclosure with an aggressive male, she suffered a severe concussion from heavy bombing and blasted debris.

Initially cared for at the Wild Animal Rescue Centre, her recovery was tragically interrupted by more shelling, leaving her unable to stand or walk.

Facing euthanasia, the Smarden sanctuary rescued Yuna - a move which has since transformed her life and personality and saw her experience grass for the first time.

Meanwhile, Rori, who is also three years old, lived in a private menagerie and is believed to have been used for illegal breeding.

When found, he could also not stand due to the likely shell shock, meaning it took him two weeks after being rescued to do so again as he continues to face co-ordination issues.

Vanda, believed to be a one-year-old female, was rescued from a flat in south east Ukraine having been kept as a family pet and surrendered when she became too hard to handle.

She was found with no access to sun, or a suitable enclosure and was severely malnourished.

Meanwhile, two sisters, Amani and Lira, were temporarily housed at Pairi Daiza and are both believed to be aged one.

The sisters were rescued together and were assumed to be illegally bred for photo exploitation purposes.