A POIGNANT vigil was held at Preston Flag Market on Friday evening to mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Members of Ukrainian Hub Preston along with others from the Ukrainian community in the region were joined by a large number of local people for the event.

And as darkness fell over the city, the assembled group lit candles and heard speeches and prayers for those affected by the terrible conflict and united in the hope that peace would soon return to the region.

There were similar events held in various towns and cities across the North West, including one which was held on Saturday morning in the square outside the Town Hall in Chorley.

Ukrainian Hub Preston meets regularly in a city centre location and holds frequent events to raise funds for Ukrainian groups both in the UK and in their home country, and it also acts as a central point for Ukrainians in the area to mutually support each other.

A large crowd gathered at the vigil for Ukraine both in Preston and at this vigil in Chorley

Please email ukrainianhubpreston@gmail.com for more info.