At a makeshift rescue centre at the edge of the Hungary's eastern border with Ukraine, volunteers are working round the clock to greet those who arrive from across the border.

They are offering water and fresh clothes for those who have travelled by road or by foot through crossings like that at Beresgurany.

Among their number was Hungarian couple Josef and Nora, who had driven from Switzerland to help in the efforts, bringing water, fresh clothes and basic supplies.

"This is a small sign of solidarity. We condemn the war in the strongest terms and want to support those here," said Josef from the makeshift centre.

His wife, Nora, said she was in disbelief that "such an aggression could happen in the 21st century. It's unbelievable. We are just trying to help others.

Others have driven from the Hungarian capital Budapest to offer free transport to those continuing their journey.

Marcus, originally from Spain told us he had driven from Budapest. 

"I came to this area with supplies - children's clothes, food, nappies. I have a minivan that can take six people carry five people, including a baby, so I'm waiting to see if there's anyone who needs to go west."

The arrivals are exhausted and traumatised. Amongst them, many young children who've been accompanied on a long and difficult journey.

Men aged 18-60 living in Ukraine without a foreign passport are barred from leaving the country.

For those who've left male relatives behind, there is anguish.

Szilvia Molnar, who lives in western Ukraine, spoke of her fear for the future, saying "everyone is afraid. Everyone is fleeing the war, our whole village. The kids, everyone. But we would like to go back eventually to the town where we were born."

The UN says the number of Ukrainian refugees has already exceeded 360,000 - and continues to grow.

Tens of thousands have been crossing the EU's eastern border with Ukraine each day, into countries including Poland, Hungary and Romania.

The Hungarian government estimates that more than 65,000 people have already passed into Hungary — around 20,000 per day.

During a visit to the Beregsurány crossing, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told reporters that all refugees would be welcome.

The warm welcome from the government stands in stark contrast to the reception of those arriving in Hungary in the wake of the Syrian crisis back in 2015. Centres like this are prepared for the wave of refugees to continue for weeks — with numbers expected to run into the hundreds of thousands.    

Cover picture: Reuters/Bernadett Szabo